Alfred P. Nelson

Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Nelson had as parents Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Nelson and Mr. and Mrs. Arne Hovland.  They were married October 12, 1921 and after a trip to Saskatchewan, Canada to visit relatives and friends, they settled on the Nelson homestead in Greenfield Township since his parents had retired to a home in Walum.  With some help from sister Margaret, they looked after both sets of parents.

Very soon the dirty thirties arrived with rust, grasshoppers, dust storms and drought.  Since there was no crop in 1936, they rigged up a covered wagon from a hayrack, binder canvasses and tarps over the top.  Here they had their bed, oil stove, small chest of drawers, table, etc. and groceries.  They set out for Park River, North Dakota.  A cow was milked on the way so there was fresh milk to drink.  Two neighbors rode ponies to drive a small herd of Herefords, and eight mules hauled the wagons.  The boys were Vernon Wogsland and Urban Potter.  Another neighbor, Edwin Everson, drove the old Ford and went ahead to lay out the stopping places.  The cattle grazed at noon and nights while camp cook, Mrs. Nelson, made the meals.  Mr. Everson shot some pheasants and ducks along the way and they added variety to our dinners.  It took four and one-half days to reach the farm near Park River where it had rained and feed could be purchased for the cattle.  The cattle were trucked back home in May.

Mr. Nelson held many Township, school, and St. Olaf Church offices.  He was secretary, treasurer, and trustee at different times.  Mrs. Nelson was president of the Ladies Aid and superintendent of St. Olaf Sunday School for many years.  Also Secretary of GreenBarts Homemaker Club.  Mr. Nelson passed away in March 1966.

Source: Griggs County History 1879 - 1976  Page 305