MN 1st Battalion Infantry, Company B. Residence: Wanamingo, Goodhue County, Minnesota. Born “Jonas Nelsen” on 31 Jan 1839 at Evjen, Meraker, Nord Trondelag, Norway, a son of Nils Ivarsen and Susanna Jonasdatter Nessen. Came to America in 1854. Civil War: Age 23. Enrolled 4 Feb 1862. Mustered the same day at Fort Snelling. Private. Wounded in the Battle of Antietam, a musket ball took off his left thumb. Discharged from the service on expiration of term, 11 Feb 1865. Post war: Married Anne Andersdatter. Thirteen children. They moved from Goodhue County to near Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He became postmaster at Republican, Minnehaha County, South Dakota. He died 9 Nov 1920. Sources: (MINN p542) (MCIW p69) (Donald Nelson, & trondelag-L@rootsweb.com)
