Mr. and Mrs. B. Peter Nelson were married in Stockholm, Sweden in 1882 and came directly to America, arriving in Duluth, where they lived for about one and a half years. Their first child, Minnie, was born there. The following year they moved to Valley City, North Dakota where Mr. Nelson was employed by the Davidson Blacksmith Shop for about 10 years.
Five children were born in Valley City; Will, Anna, Ida, Carl and Peter.
The Nelsons' next move was to "Homestead" in Barnes County, Baldwin Twp. where they had the experience of living in a "Sod" house with three rooms. Mrs. Nelson brightened the rooms by papering them with pages from the Christian Herald. The only other buildings on the farm were a straw-covered barn, a small chicken coop and, of course, the old fashioned "rest" room!
The first ground was broken with a walking plow and a pair of mules. The drinking and cooking water were carried from an adjoining farm. Water for washing clothes was salvaged from the rain.
The family survived many hardships that first year and the next year Mr. Nelson passed away at the age of 54 years. The oldest son, Will, at the age of 14 years had to manage the farm.
All children at that time could amuse themselves playing ball, snaring gophers, gathering pretty stones (even some agates) on the hilltops, also riding horses and enjoying the many farm animals. In winter there was skating and sliding down the hills on home made sleds.
Activities in later years, in our teens, were house parties, dances, sleigh riding and skating parties, also many family gatherings. Many of our friends and Ida received their college education at the then Valley City Normal. Ida taught six terms in the rural schools of Barnes County.
Minnie Nelson married Will Sowden; Will, Nellie Sanden; Anna, George McKay; Ida, Milton Pederson; Carl, Julia Nelson and Peter married Lyda Pedersen. The only survivors are Peter and Ida. Peter and wife recently moved from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to an apartment in Valley City and Ida and her husband, M. G. Pederson, live in Hope, North Dakota. Will's daughter, Eleanor, and her husband, Warren Becker, live on Will's farm in Baldwin Township, Barnes County. Mrs. Nellie Nelson lives in Valley City.
Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 172