| Notes |
- Bjørnskinn/Dverberg church records list birth/baptism record as follows:
Birth: 10/9;
Baptism: 25/11;
Full name: Harald Paulin Dreyer;
Illegitimate child;
Parents: Father, a bachelor fisherman, Thore Nilsen, from Bodo, born in 1856; Mother, Kristine Margrethe Hansdtr., from Bjørnskinn, born in 1855;
Individuals witnessing the christening included: Hans A. Jakobsen and wife, Ole Olsen and wife, Hans and Anna Hanssen, Bjørnskinn.
Confirmation Record: Church Record: “Sortland in Sortland 1894-1914”
Confirmation Date: 16 Jul 1899
Name: Harald Paulin Dreyer
Birthdate: 10 Sep 1883
Baptism Date: 25 Nov 1883
Birthplace: Bjørnskinn
Residence: Vik
Father’s name and residence: Fisker Tore Nilsen, Bodø
Mother’s name and residence: Pige Kristine Margrethe Hansdatter Bjørnskinn
Norwegian census of 1900 lists spelling as Harald Torsen. Occupation listed as fisherman and farmer. Birthplace was Bjørnskinn. At the time of this census (Dec. 3, 1900), Harold lived with his stepfather, Andreas Olsen, his mother, and his half-brothers and half-sisters, Oskar, Alf, Petra, and Hansine.
In “Sortland i Sortland 1894-1914 Church Registers” in the Departures section for year 1904 is listed a record for bachelor fisherman Harald Paulin Dreyer Thoresen, born in 1883, departing for Amerika, recorded on April 6, 1904, as leaving Sortland.
Harold came to the U.S. in 1904; returned to Norway for a visit in February, 1921--He and Gudrun Nielsen returned to the U.S. on the same boat in December, 1921.
“Protokol Over Utvandrede Personer” (emigration protocols) for Norway lists:
Harald P. D. Hansen,
Born in 1883 in Sortland,
Leaving on the Canadian,
Occupation: fisherman,
Destination: Dell Rapids, Minnehaha Cty, South Dakota,
Departure date: May 3, 1904.
Digital Archives: Emigrants from Trondheim 1880-1930:
Departure Date: 22 Mar 1904
Name: Harald P. D. Hans.
Unmarried
Fisker
Born in 1883 in Sortland
Destination: Dell Rapids, S. Dak.
Ship line: Canadian
Name of Ship: Salmo
Ticket purchased in Trondheim
Information about the ship that Harold Nelson traveled on:
“The Salmo” was built in 1900 by Caledon Ship Building & Engine Co. Ltd. in Dundee. Her tonnage was 1,721 tons gross, 1,575 under deck and 1,095 net. Dimensions: 265 feet long, 35.2 foot beam and holds 16.2 ft. deep. Steel consttruction singlgle screw steam schooner; 2 decks, Propulsion: triple expansion engine with 3 cylinders of 21 1/2, 36, and 62 inches diameter respectively, stroke 36 incheds, delivering 231 nominal horsepower which gave her a speed of 13.5 knots. The engine was built by the same company as the hull. She had accomodation for 53 passengers in 1st class, 26 in 2nd, and 458 in 3rd class. The Salmo was torpedoed by submarine U-60 and sunk in 1917.
Immigration record for when Harold entered the U.S. found in the St. Albans District lists:
“Traveled 3rd Class on the ship Lake Manitoba, and crossed the Canadian border into the U.S. in Manitoba.
He arrived at the Port of Quebec. Entered May 21, 1904. #58-21.
Name: Thoresen, Harald P.D.
Nationality: Scandinavian Country: Norway
Last permanent residence: Tromsa (?)
Age: 26 [incorrect]
Sex: M
Farmer, can read and write
Ever in U.S.?: No
Passage paid by cousin
Destination and name and complete address of relative or friend to join there: Cousin: Emil S. Wiik, Dell Rapids, SD
Head Tax Status: 22432
Money shown: $3
Ever arrested or deported: No
Purpose in coming and time remaining: Permanent
Medical certificate: Good
U.S. Passport Applications, 1795-1925:
Name: Harold Dreyer Nelson
Birth Date: 10 Sep 1883
Birthplace: Sortland, Norway
Residence: Dell Rapids, South Dakota
Passport Issue Date: 22 Sep 1920
Father Name: Thore Nelson
Father’s Birth Location: Norway
Father’s Residence: Deceased
Passport Includes a Photo: Y
(Actual wording of Passport Application):
“I, Harold Dreyer Nelson, a naturalized and loyal citizen of the United States, hereby apply to the Department of State, at Washington, for a passport.
I solemnly swear that I was born at Sortland, Norway on September 10, 1883; that my father, Thore Nelson, was born in Norway and is now deceased; that I emigrated to the United States, sailing from Stavanger, Norway, about April 27, 1904; that I resided 16 1/2 years, uninterruptedly, in the United States, from 1904 to date at Montevideo, Minnesota and Dell Rapids, So. Dak.; that I was naturalized as a citizen of the United States before the United States District Court at District of Minnesota, at St. Paul, Minnesota, on June 17, 1918, as shown by the Certificate of Naturalization presented herewith; that I am the Identical Person in said Certificate; that I have never resided outside the United States since my naturalization; and that I am domiciled in the United States, my permanent residence being at Dell Rapids in the State of South Dakota, where I follow the occupation of farmer. I have never obtained a passport. I am about to go abroad temporarily, and intend to return to the United States within six months with the purpose of residing and performing the duties of citizenship therein; and I desire a passport for use in visiting the countries hereinafter named for the following purpose:
Norway: to visit mother
England: travel
I intend to leave the United States from the port of New York sailing on board the Stavangerfjord on December 10, 1920.
Further, I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion: So help me God.
[Harold’s Signature}
Sworn to before me this 18 day of September, 1920
C. C. Schwarz
Deputy Clerk of the U.S. District Court of Sioux Falls, S.D.
Description of Applicant:
Age: 37 years
Stature: 6 feet
Forehead: High
Eyes: Blue
Nose: Medium
Mouth: Medium
Chin: Round
Hair: Light-brown
Complexion: Ruddy
Face: Oval
Distinguishing marks: scar on right side of forehead
Identification:
September 18, 1920:
“I, Martin Johnson, solemnly swear that I am a naturalized citizen of the United States; that I reside at Dell Rapids, So. Dak.; that I have known the above-named Harold Dreyer Nelson personally for 16 years and know him to be the identical person referred to in the within-described certificate of naturalization; and that the facts stated in his affidavit are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.”
Signed: Martin Johnson, Farmer, Dell Rapids, SD
Applicant desires passport to be sent to the following address:
Harold Dreyer Nelson
F.R.D. Route #1
Dell Rapids, S.D.
Harold's immigration record for the his return to the U.S. on the S.S. Stavangerfjord on December 20, 1921--He was a U.S. citizen, 38 years old. Traveling on U.S. Passport #93028 issued at Washington, D.C. on Sept. 22, 1921 His address in the U.S.--Broadway Hotel, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Evelyn Johnson believed that Harold Nelson was a fireman on the train before working at NSP. She also recalled that Harold stayed at her parents place a lot. She also remembered that when they were in grade school, Hazel Hansen was staying overnight. Hazel threw a snowball and knocked the cap off Harold's head.
Conversations between Jerry Lowell and Mildred Wyman in August, 1995: "When we were kids growing up, Dad always had a garden. Mom canned everything, especially fruits--pears, peaches, apples, rhubarb sauce, plums. She also canned tomatoes buut she canned them sweet and used them as a dessert. She canned open-kettle method. She pickled beets. I don't remember her canning vegetables; we ate those fresh. We never ever had a tossed salad at her table. We never had turkey 'cause Dad didn't like it. We had a garden on Nesmith, East 7th, and I'm sure we had one on Sherman and 815 N. French. Dad grew potatoes, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, radishes, carrots, and rhubarb. ... Harold was the only one in our family who ever had a bicycle. He had it on East 7th. It was a girls bicycle that he got because he had a paper route. [Were you aware of dollars being tight?] Oh, yes. But, we always had food and there were frivolities. We were never for want. Dad got paid every two weeks. Dad never wanted to own a house but he finally bought the house at 810."
Minnesota Naturalization Records Index, 1854-1957
Name: Harold Dreyer Nelson
County: Chippew
Reel: 1
Code: 4
Volume: 2
Page: 165
Declaration of Intention for Naturalization, filed March 16, 1916:
“State of Minnesota, County of Chippewa
In the District Court of Chippewa County, Mn
I, Harold Dreyer Nelson, aged 32 years, occupation laborer, do declare on oath that my personal description is: color: white, complexion medium, height 6 feet, weight 176 pounds, color of hair medium, color of eyes blue, other visible distinctive marks none.
I was born in Throndheim, Norway on the 10th of September, anno Domini 1883; I now reside at Montevideo, Minnesota. I emigrated to the United States of America from Throndhjeim, Norway on the vessel “Lake Erie” of the Canadian Pacific Lines, my last foreign residence was Throndhjeim, Norway.
“It is my bona fide intention to renounce forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, and in particularly to Haakon VII, King of Norway, of which I am now a subject. I arrived at the port of Saulte Ste. Marie in the State of Michigan on or about the 18th day of May, anno Domini 1904; I am not an anarchist; I am not a polygamist nor a believer in the practice of polygamy; and it is my intention in good faith to become a citizen of the United States of America and to permanently reside therein: So Help Me God.
“Signed: Harold Dreyer Nelson
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 16th day of March, anno Domini 1916
Elias Jacobson, Clerk of the District Court.”
Per Evelyn Johnson, in August, 1995: Helga, Martin, Gudrun, and Harold drove up to Canada once to see Ben. When they got to the international line, Harold said the wrong thing and they wouldn't let them in. Harold was driving. He had overdrive in his car and was so proud of it. Evelyn also indicated that Harold would have made a wonderful doctor. He was so smart, according to Evelyn. She stated that when Mildred was young, the doctor wanted to operate but Harold said that all she needed was packs.
1920 U.S. Census: South Dakota: Minnehaha: Logan: District 176:
Nelson, Harold D., cousin, age 36, single, came to the U.S. in 1904, naturalized citizen, born in Norway, father and mother born in Norway, machinist, automobile.
(Living on the farm with Arthur Vik and Martin Johnson (Helga’s husband.)
1930 U.S. Census: South Dakota: Minnehaha: Sioux Falls: District 28: Residing at 605 Nesmith:
Nelson, Harold, Head, rents, $25/month, age 46, married at age 39, born in Norway, father and mother born in Norway, immigrated to the U.S. in 1909, locomotive engineer, steam railway;
Gudrun, wife, age 36, married at age 29, born in Norway, father and mother born in Norway, emmigrated to the U.S. in 1921;
Mildred, daughter, 6, born in Sioux Falls, father and mother born in Norway;
Lillian, daughter, 5, born in Sioux Falls, father and mother born in Norway;
Alice, daughter, 4, born in Sioux Falls, father and mother born in Norway;
Harold, son, 2, born in Sioux Falls, father and mother born in Norway.
1940 U.S. Census: South Dakota: Minnehaha: Sioux Falls; Residing at 1316 E. 7th Street:
Nelson, Harold D., head, 56, 7 yrs. of education, born in Norway, naturalized citizen, lived in Pipestone, Minnesota, in 1935, occupation: oiler, power co.;
Gudrun M., wife, 46, 7 yrs. of education, born in Norway, naturalized citizen, lived in Pipestone, Minnesota, in 1935;
Mildred J., daughter, 16, born in South Dakota, has completed 2 yrs of high school, lived in Pipestone, Minnesota, in 1935;
Lillian M. Nelson, daughter, 15, born in South Dakota, has completed 1 yr of grade school, lived in Pipestone, Minnesota, in 1935;
Alice K. Nelson, daughter, 14, born in South Dakota, has completed 7 yrs of elementary school, lived in Pipestone, Minnesota, in 1935;
Harold G., son, 12, born in South Dakota, has completed 6 yrs of elementary school, lived in Pipestone, Minnesota, in 1935.
Obituary in Sioux Falls Argus Leader--
"Services for Harold E. Nelson, 79, of 810 N. French St., who died Wednesday at a local hospital, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at East Side Lutheran Church. Interment will be at Hills of Rest Cemetery.
Mr. Nelson was born Sept. 10, 1883, in Norway and came to the United States in 1904, settling in the Dell Rapids area. A veteran of World War I, he moved to Sioux Falls and worked for Northern States Power Co. Mr. Nelson retired in 1950.
Survivors include the widow and a son, Harold Nelson, Sioux Falls; three daughters, Mrs. Ray Gann, Portola Valley, Calif., and Mrs. Wesley Hofstad, and Mrs. James Lowell, both of Sioux Falls, and 12 grandchildren. (Boom)"
“South Dakota Soldiers’ Compensation Board, Pierre. Declaration and Application for Bonus Granted to S.D. residents Who Participated in the Spanish-American war, Philippine Insurrection and World War by Chapter 363, Laws of 1921. [NOTE: Blank forms with questions were filled out by individual applying for bonus pay. Harold D. Nelson was applying for bonus pay for his participation in World War I and provided the following answers to the questions on the form.]
1, Name of Applicant--Harold D. Nelson; Serial No. 473329
2. Permanent Address--Dell Rapids, Minnehaha, So.Dak.
3. Date and place of enlistment into U.S. Service--March 30, 1918 Sioux Falls
4. Date and place of reporting for active duty in U.S. or Allied Forces--March 30, 1918 Sioux Falls
5. Date and place of discharge--12 April 1919 Camp Dodge Iowa
6. Rank and Branch of Serv. at time of discharge--1st Private Casual (unreadable # for branch) (From Natl Personnel Records Center, St. Louis, MO, his rank was Private First Class of Casual Detachment #263)
7. Were you a member of the SD Nat'l Guard at the time you commenced US service? No
8. Length of residence in SD prior to entry into service--3 yrs.
9. Where did you reside at time of your entry into service--Sioux Falls Minn. So.Dak.
10. Full name and home address of parents at time you entered service--Thore Nelson and Christine Olson (Note-- father's name had parenthesis around it with the word "deceased" written above the name)
11, Were you married at time of entry into service?--No
12. Give occupation at time of entry into service--Mechanic
13. Give names and addresses of persons or companies by whom you were employed for 90 days prior to your entry into service and dates you worked for each--J.P. Bleake (sp?) Sioux Falls, South Dakota from Jan.1, 1918 until enlistment Mar. 30, 1918
14. Did you pay any taxes in SD prior to your entry into service? Poll tax If so, when & where? Dell Rapids SD (Logan Twp) 1917
15. Did you vote in SD prior to your entry into service? No
16. Place and date of birth--Norway 10th of Sept. 1883
17. If foreign born, when and where did you become a citizen of the US? Became citizen when enlisted. Had 1st papers.
18. When and where did you register under the Selective Service Act? (Draft Law)--Too old to register
19. If not a member of Nat'l Guard or inducted into the service at the time of your entry, state place and name of organization where you commenced service--Jefferson Barracks--later assigned to 36th (illegible) ..dical Det. Reg., Fort Snelling, Minn.
20. Did you for any reason claim exemption under the Selective Service Act? No
21, Did you refuse on conscientious, political, or other grounds (including religious) to subject yourself to military discipline or to render unqualified service to the US? No
22. Have you applied for a bonus or add'l compensation from any state for services rendered in World War, Spanish American War and Philippine Insurrection? No
23. Have you received a bonus or add'l compensation from any state for services rendered in the above wars? No
24. Were you a member of a Students Army Training Camp? No
25. Did you attend an Officers Training Camp? No
26. (ignore)
27. Did you personally insert the answers to the above questions? Yes
28. Do you personally vouch for the truthfulness of the answers contained in this application? (signature of Harold D. Nelson) Affidavit of Applicant Signed: Dec. 31, 1921
Disbursing Dept.
Approved 3-15-22
Length of service 12 mos. 13 days
Amount Due $186.50
Pay Roll No. 387
Warrant No. 19349
Mailed to Dell Rapids Mar. 16, 1922”
George Boom Funeral Home death records state the following--
Harold D. Nelson
May 29, 1963 1:35 a.m.
Retired Watch Engineer--NSP
Father's name- Thor Nelson
Mother's name- Christine Jacobson
Army WW1 SS# 503-01-3839
Cause of death-- cor. pulmonale
Entered Service 3/30/1918 at Jefferson, MO
Separated 4/12/1919 at Camp Dodge Iowa
Service # 473329 Grade or Rank--FC
Army
Member D.A.V.
Pallbearers-- NSP Employees-- Ken Robertson, Ralph Tschetter, Leo Hoffman, M.I. Johnson, E.E. Thompson, George Moxness
Came to U.S. in 1904 as a young man to Dell Rapids area. Served in Army in WWI. Then moved to Sioux Falls in 1920 and became employed by NSP. Retired in 1950. Has been in failing health the last 10 yrs. Born in Trondheim, Norway."
The 1920 census for Logan Township, Minnehaha County, indicates that Harold D. Nelson (age 36) was living with his cousin, Arthur Vik, and that he came to the U.S. in 1904 and became a naturalized citizen in 1918.
1930 Census: SD, Minnehaha Cty, Sioux Falls, Dist. 28: 605 Nesmith Ave.:
Nelson, Harold, head, rents, age 46, married, first married at age 39, can read & write, born in Norway, came to the U.S. in 1909, naturalized citizen; occupation: locomotive engineer, steam railway;
Gudrun, his wife, age 36, married, first married at age 29, can read & write, born in Norway, came to the U.S. in 1921, naturalized citizen;
Mildred, their daughter, age 6, attending school, born in South Dakota;
Lillian, their daughter, age 5, attending school, born in South Dakota;
Alice, their daughter, age 4, born in South Dakota;
Harold, their son, age 2, born in South Dakota.
Places lived once married to Gudrun:
Grandma Thompson’s (West Prairie?)
Mrs. Wakling’s house (3rd and Indiana)
705 N. Sherman (Harold born here)
605 N. Nesmith (lived here during 1930 Federal Census)
815 N. French
Pipestone: 3 houses (on the railroad tracks, up on the hill by Belkies, by the school)
1316 E. 7th
810 N. French
SSDI: Harold Nelson, 503-01-3839, b. 10 Sep 1883, d. May 1963, Res.: South Dakota; Issued: SD (before 1951)
Death Certificate:
Name: Harold Dreyer Nelson
Sex: Male
Social Security Number: 503-01-3839
Armed Forces: Yes
Date of Death: 05/29/1963
Date of Birth: 09/10/1883
Age: 79 years
Place of Death: Veterans Administration Center Sioux Falls Minnehaha South Dakota
Disposition Information:
Method: Burial
Cemetery: Hills of Rest
Location: Sioux Falls South Dakota
Demographic Information:
Residence: 810 No. French Avenue Sioux Falls Minnehaha South Dakota
Marital Statue: Married
Place of Birth: Norway
Surviving Spouse’s Name, if wife Maiden Name: Gudrun Nelson
Father’s Name: Thor Nelson
Mother’s Name Prior to First Marriage: Christine (Jacobson)
Informant Information:
Informant’s Name: Gudrun Nelson
Manner of Death: Natural Causes
Cause of Death Part 1: Cor Pulmonale, 10 years; Emphysema Advanced, 10 years.
Part II: (blank)
Autopsy Performed: Yes
Actual or Presumed Time of Death: 135
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1883 - 1963 (79 years)
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