WI 14th Inf. Residence: Franklin, Vernon County, Wisconsin. Born in Lærdal, Sogn, Norway. “Dominikus Orbeck Nilsson” was born 4 Feb 1827 to Nils Hestetun and Aaste, who lived on a farm called Hatleberg. Dominicus and his wife Kirsti Olsdatter Stonjum owned 160 acres in Frankville Township, Vernon County, Wisconsin, in 1859. Civil War: Farmer. Age 38. Blue eyes, brown hair, flush complexion, 5’5”. Drafted for one year on 21 Sep 1864 at La Crosse, Wisconsin. Mustered there the same day. Private. Took part in Sherman’s March to the Sea. Transferred to WI 17th Inf, Co C. Honorably discharged from the service at Madison, Wisconsin, 11 May 1865. Post war: Dominicus’ grandson, David T. Nelson, Decorah, Iowa, wrote that his grandfather came from the war partially disabled and used crutches. Lived in Viroqua, Wisconsin. Sources: (WHS Series 1200 box 87-14; red book vol 22, p56) (Discharge document held by great grandson John Nelson, Decorah IA) (Ulvestad p311).
