MN 6th Inf Co F. Residence: Belvidere, Goodhue County, Minnesota. Born “Johan Nielsen Kjøs” on 12 Nov 1842 at Ringsaker, Hedmark, Norway, son of Niels Olsen Kjøs and Ingeborg Johnsdatter Løtten. He came to America with his parents and three siblings on “Flora”, which sailed from Christiania on 15 Jun 1849 and arrived in New York on 23 Aug 1849. His father died in New York a week after their arrival. His mother and the children came to Janesville, Rock County, Wisconsin. In 1855, they came to Goodhue County, Minnesota. Civil War: Age 19. Enrolled 11 Aug 1862. Mustered 1 Oct 1862. Private. Promoted to Corporal. Discharged from the service with his regiment, 19 Aug 1865. He was married 12 Aug 1871 to Lucy Ellen Bassett (1852-1882). One child. John was married a second time on 3 Oct 1883 to Jessie Eames (1859-1940). Three children. John and Jessie eventually divorced. His brother Ole Nelson was also a soldier. Sources: (MINN p300) (MCIW p339) (Naeseth-Hedberg ’49-2867) “Nelson, Johan”
