Nels Anton Mikkleson

Johanna Kristina "Christina" Mattison was born about 1868 in Hansen, Denmark

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 11, 1880 shows John Walter (age 19) born in Baden to Baden-born parents is an unmarried Laborer Servant living with a farmer family in Flushing, Queens Co., NY.

Harry Anton Mikkleson was born March 6, 1897, in Sioux Twp., Monona Co., IA.

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 16, 1900 shows John Walter (age 37) born July 1863 in Germany to German-born parents having emigrated in 1878 and a Naturalized citizen is a Farm Laborer owning his home at 100 S. 16th Street, Queens Borough, New York City, Queens Co., NY. Living with him is his wife of 13 years, Lena Walter (age 33) born November 1866 in Germany to German-born parents having emigrated in 1883, with 2 of the 5 children born to her still living. Living with them are their children, all single and born in New York to German-born parents: William Walter (age 12) born January 1888; Henry Walter (age 10) born June 1889; Annie Walter (age 9) born February 1891; John E. Walter (age 6) born December 1877; and Lena Walter (age 2) born March 1898.

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 18, 1900 shows Rasmus Mickelson (age 57) born February 1843 in Denmark to Danish-born parents and a Naturalized citizen emigrating in 1873 is a Farmer owning his own farm free of a mortgage and living in Sioux Twp., Monona Co., IA. Living with him is his wife of 38 years, Ameala Mickelson (age 58) born September 1841 in Denmark to Danish-born parents and emigrating in 1873, with 7 of the 8 children born to her still alive. Also living with him are his three children: Viriel Mickelson (age 25) born March 1873 in Massachusetts to Danish-born parents, an unmarried Farm Laborer; Tora Mickelson (age 16) born January 1884 in Iowa to Danish-born parents, unmarried; and Anthone Mikkelson (age 34) born February 1866 in Denmark and a Naturalized citizen emigrating in 1873, a Farmer owning his own farm with a mortgage; Anthone's wife of 10 years, Stena Mikkelson (age 32) born May 1868 in Denmark to Danish-born parents and having emigrated in 1888, with 3 of the 4 children born to her still alive; and Anthone's children, all born in Iowa to Danish-born parents: Sphis Mikkelson (age 6) born October 1893; Sena Mikkelson (age 4) born September 1895; and Harry Mikkelson (age 3) born March 1897. A Boarder also lives in the Household.

Karl F. "Charles" Fischer was born January 25, 1904, in Offenburg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

The 1905 Iowa State Census U.S. Census shows N. A. Mikkleson is living in Little Sioux Twp., Harrison Co., IA. Living with him are: Steania Mikkleson; Sophs Mikkleson; Seana Mikkleson; Harry Mikkleson; Raymond Mikkleson; and Stella Mikkleson.

The 1910 U. S. Census taken on April 20, 1910 shows John Walter (age 47) born in Germany to German-born parents having emigrated in 1885 and a Naturalized citizen is a Milk Driver owning his home at 141 S. 17th Street, Queens Borough, New York City, Queens Co., NY. Living with him is his wife of 22 years, Lena Walter (age 43) born in Germany to German-born parents having emigrated in 1884 with all 9 of the children born to her still alive. Living with them are their children, all single and born in New York to German-born parents: William Walter (age 22) a Plumber Helper; Annie L. Walter (age 19) a Dry Goods Saleslady; John A. Walter (age 16) a Florist Helper; Madilen Walter (age 12); Cornelia F. Walter (age 9); Theodore C. Walter (age 5); Edith G. Walter (age 5); and Evilyn J. Walter (age 5). An Italian family also rents from John.

The 1910 U. S. Census taken on May 9, 1910 shows Nels Anton Mikkleson (age 44) born in Denmark to Danish-born parents having emigrated in 1871 and a naturalized citizen is a General Farmer owning his own farm in Little Sioux Twp., Harrison Co., IA. Living with him is his wife of 20 years, Christena Mikkleson (age 42) born in Denmark to Danish-born parents and emigrating in 1885, with 5 of the 6 children born to her still living. Also living at home are their unmarried children, all born in Iowa to Danish-born parents: Sophus Mikkleson (age 17) a Home Farm Laborer; Harry Mikkleson (age 13); Raymond Mikkleson (age 11); and Stella Mikkleson (age 5).

The 1915 Iowa State Census U.S. Census shows Harry Mikkleson (age 18) born in Iowa to Danish-born parents and having lived in Iowa for 18 years is unmarried and living in Little Sioux Twp., Harrison Co., IA.

The 1920 U. S. Census taken on January 15, 1920 shows John Walter (age 58) born in Germany to German-born parents having emigrated in 1877 and Naturalized in 1888 is a Stable Boss for Bordens Milk renting his home at 141 S. 17th Street, Flushing Borough, New York City, Queens Co., NY. Living with him is his wife Lena Walter (age 54) born in Germany to German-born parents having emigrated in 1884 and Naturalized in 1888. Living with them are their children, all single except William, and all born in Flushing, L. I., except William born in Bayside, L. I.: William Walter (age 31) a Steamfitter Helper in a Steamfitter Room; John Walter (age 35) Milk Driver for Bordens; Madeline Walter (age 21) a Packer in a Factory; Caroline Walter (age 18) a Bookkeeper in a Shoe Store; Theodore Walter (age 14); Evelyn Walter (age 14); and Jean Walter (age 14). Renting in the house from John is Harvey Walter (age 20) born in New York to German-born parents, who is a Driver for a Baker. Living with him is his wife Mary E. Walter (age 20) born in New York to New York-born parents, with her only child living: Madeline Walter (age 8/12) born in New York to New York-born parents.

The 1920 U.S. Census taken on January 23, 1920 shows Nels A. Mikkleson (age 54) born in Denmark to Danish-born parents and a naturalized citizen emigrating in 1870 and naturalized in 1876 is a General Farmer with Real Estate worth $8,000 owning his own farm in Little Sioux Twp., Harrison Co., IA. Living with him is his wife Christiana Mikkleson (age 50) born in Denmark to Danish-born parents and a naturalized citizen emigrating in 1871 and naturalized in 1890. Also living at home are their unmarried children, all born in Iowa to Danish-born parents: Harry A. Mikkleson (age 22) a General Farm Laborer; Raymon R. Mikkleson (age 20) a Home Farm Laborer; Estella P. Mikkleson (age 16); and Glenn Mikkleson (age 6).

Donald Birks Lyon and Estella P. "Stella" Mikkleson were married (1) May 31, 1923, in Crawford, IA.

The 1925 Iowa State Census U.S. Census taken on January 1, 1925 shows Nels Antone Mikkleson (age 58) born in Denmark to Erasmus Mikkleson of Denmark and Turslia Hanson of Denmark who were married in Denmark and are not now living, and having lived in the U. S. A. for 54 years and having lived in Iowa for 52 years with 4th grade education owns his home worth $3,500 and is living in Little Sioux Twp., Harrison Co., IA. Living with him is his wife, Christine Mikkleson (age 56) born in Denmark to Peter Matheson of Denmark and Christine Matheson of Denmark who were married in Denmark and are not now living, and having lived in the U. S. A. for 39 years and having lived in Iowa for 39 years with 8th grade education. Also living there are his two unmarried sons, both born in Monroe Co., IA to Nels A. Mikkleson (age 58) and Christine Matheson (age 56) who were married in Monroe Co., IA: Raymond Mikkleson (age 24) with an 8th grade education; and Glenn E. Mikkleson (age 12) with a 7th grade education. Others are also living in the household.

The 1925 Iowa State Census U.S. Census taken on January 1, 1925 shows Thos. Bothwell (age 54) and having lived in Iowa for 54 years is renting his home in Sioux Twp., Monona Co., IA. Living with him is his wife, Sara Bothwell (age 44) and having lived in Iowa for 43 years. Also living there are his children: Loyd Elmer Bothwell (age 14) and having lived in Iowa for 14 years; Joseph L. Bothwell (age 4) and having lived in Iowa for 4 years; Josephine L. Bothwell (age 4) and having lived in Iowa for 4 years; and married daughter, Bessie Bartell (age 27) and having lived in Iowa for 27 years. Also living there are Thos.'s 2 grandchildren: Cleo E. Bartell (age 6) and having lived in Iowa for 6 years with mother of Bessie Bothwell, born about 1898 in Iowa, and father of Geo. Bartelt, born about 1893 in Iowa, who were married in Sioux City, IA; and Thos. F. Bartell (age 3) and having lived in Iowa for 2 years.

The 1925 Iowa State Census U.S. Census taken on January 1, 1925 shows Tony Bartell (age 3) born in Iowa with mother of Bessie Bothwell, born in Iowa, and father of Geo. Bartelt, born in Iowa, is living with his aunt, Elizabeth Wahlert, in Greeley, Audubon Co., IA.

Johanna Kristina "Christina" (Mattison) Mikkleson died March 30, 1928, at Edmundson Hospital, Council Bluffs, Kane Twp., Pottawattamie Co., IA, at age 59. Buried in Little Sioux Cemetery, Little Sioux, Harrison Co., IA.

Charles and Evelyn were married April 15, 1928, in Flushing Borough, Queens Co., NY.

The 1930 U. S. Census taken on April 15, 1930 shows Charles Fischer (age 26) born in Germany to German-born parents and having emigrated in 1924 and a Naturalized citizen first married at age 24 is a Butcher in a Store renting his home for $50/month at 6516 Roosevelt Avenue, 3rd Assembly District, New York City, Queens Co., NY. Living with him is his wife Evelyn Fischer (age 23) born in New York to German-born parents. Also living there is their daughter Evelyn Fischer (age 1) born in New York to German and New York-born parents.

The 1930 U. S. Census taken on May 20, 1930 shows Antone Mikleson (age 64) born in Denmark to Danish-born parents emigrating in 1870 and a naturalized citizen is a widowed General Farmer with Real Estate worth $8,000 owning his own farm in Little Sioux Twp., Harrison Co., IA. Living with him are his two sons, both born in Iowa to Danish-born parents: Rayman Mikleson (age 29) a General Farmer; and Glen Mikleson (age 18) a Public Road Laborer.

The 1930 U. S. Census taken on April 15, 1930 shows Charles Fischer (age 26) born in Germany of German-born parents is a butcher in a store renting for $50.00/month at 65-16 Roosevelt Avenue, New York City, Queens Borough, NY. He emigrated from Germany in 1924, is a Naturalized citizen, and was first married at age 24. Living with him is his wife, Evelyn Fischer (age 23) born in New York of German-born parents, and their daughter Evelyn Fischer (age 1) born in New York of German and New York-born parents. An Irish widow and her three children also live there.

The 1930 U. S. Census taken on April 18, 1930 shows Calvin P. Smith (age 51) born in New York to New York-born parents is Railroad Locomotive Engineer first married at age 21 who owns his own home with real estate worth $7,000 living at 211 Morris Avenue, Inwood, Hempsted Twp., Nassau Co., NY. Living with him is his wife Lillian D. Smith (age 51) born in New York to New York-born parents, who was first married at age 21. Also living in the household is their daughter, Gladys Mikkleson (age 30) born in New York to New York-born parents, who was first married at age 21, and their son-in-law, Harry Mikkleson (age 33) born in Iowa to Danish-born parents, who is a Lineman at an Electric Light Company, who was first married at age 24. The son of Gladys and Harry also lives there: C. Raymond Mikkleson (age 7) born in New York to Iowa and New York-born parents.

The 1930 U. S. Census taken on April 7, 1930 shows Theodore Walter (age 27) born in New York to German born parents is a married Clerk in a Butcher Shop. Possibly not relevant.

Charles deserted his family and left the country sometime after 1930. When he returned several years later, his name was Charles Fuller. He located in Iowa and married Cleo Elizabeth Mikkleson.

Charles and Cleo were married September, 1937, in Iowa. However, at that time Charles apparently was not divorced from his first wife, Evelyn J. (Walter) Fischer, whom he deserted.

The 1940 U. S. Census taken on April 11, 1940, shows R. R. Mikkleson (age 39) born in Iowa, and 5 years ago was living in the Same House, and with 2 years of High School, is a married Farming Farmer, and is livikng in Little Sioux Twp., Harrison Co., IA. Living with him are: his wife, Mary Mikkleson (age 33) born in Illinois, and 5 years ago was living in the Same House, and with 4 years of High School; his daughter, Jse Ann Mikkleson (age 7) born in Iowa, and 5 years ago was living in the Same House, and with 1 year of School; his son, Harry Mikkleson (age 4) born in Iowa, and 5 years ago was living in the Same House; his daughter, Jane Mikkleson (age 2) born in Iowa, and 5 years ago was living in the Same House; his widower father, Antone N. Mikkleson (age 74) born in Denmark, and 5 years ago was living in the Same House, and with 8 years of School, a Manager of a Farming Farm; and his married uncle, Ben Elliff (age 60), born in Illinois, and 5 years ago was living in the Same House, and with 8 years of School, a Farm Laborer.

Edward Anderson died May 1985 in Sun City, Maricopa Co., AZ at about age 73.

Cleo then married Wilbur Almo Larson on July 11, 1987 in Sun City, Maricopa Co., AZ

Charles (Fischer) Fuller died August 1987 in Las Vegas, Clark Co., NV at age 85.

Wilbur Almo Larson died October 19, 1996 in Las Vegas, Clark Co., NV at age 83.

Cleo Elizabeth (Mikkleson) (Fuller) (Anderson) Larson died July 27, 2000 in Green Valley, Pima Co., AZ at age 82.

1915 Harrison County, Iowa History, pp. 963, 964, 965

N. A. Mikkleson - The Danish-American citizens of Harrison county, Iowa, have been universally successful in whatever line of work they choose to follow. Some of the most substantial farmers of the county have come from Denmark, and among this number N. A. Mikkleson occupies a prominent place. Starting out in a very humble way, as a farmer, Mr. Mikkleson now has more than three hundred acres of excellent land in Little Sioux township, and his prosperity is the direct result of his own individual efforts. Notwithstanding the fact that he has been so successful in a material way, he has not neglected to take an active part in the civic life of his community, and has held various official positions with satisfaction to his fellow citizens.

N. A. Mikkleson, the son of Rasmus and Amelia (Hansen) Mikkleson, was born on February 9, 1866, in Denmark. His parents came to the United States about 1870, and landed at Boston, Massachusetts. His father had been a weaver in his home country, but upon coming to the United States, he worked as a day laborer in Boston for the first two years. The family came west and located in Monona county, Iowa. Some Mormons had squatted on a claim in the hills, but the senior Mikkleson bought them out for ten dollars, and in a dug-out which the Mormons had constructed, the family lived for three years. There were seven in the family and the dug-out had only one room, but it was the best they could do. When the family left the train at Dunlap, there were nine of them and their worldly assets consisted of five dollars in cash. Rasmus Mikkleson settled down to work with that energy which characterizes the people of his race and eventually became a substantial and influential citizen of Monona county. Several years ago he retired from active work and is now living a life of ease and retirement in Onawa, Monona county, Iowa. Mr. Mikkleson does not know very much concerning his mother's family. It is known that they were originally from France, and fled from that country during the French Revolution and took refuge in Denmark.

N. A. Mikkleson was four years of age when his parents came from Denmark to Boston, Massachusetts, and six years of age when they located in Iowa. He received his education in the district schools of Monona county, and remained at home until he was married. He then bought one hundred and twenty acres of land in Monona county, for which he paid thirteen dollars an acre. He improved this farm and, a few years later, bought sixty acres more. He lived on his Monona county farm for ten years and then sold it for thirty-five dollars an acre. He invested his money in land in Harrison county in 1901, buying three hundred and twenty-seven and one-half acres in Little Sioux township. He paid thirty-five dollars an acre for this land and since then has been offered one hundred and twenty-five dollars an acre for it, which shows the remarkable increase in land values since he first acquired the farm.

When Mr. Mikkleson came here with his parents, the farmers in Iowa did all their plowing with oxen, and, in fact, they hauled their grain to market with oxen. Today, Mr. Mikkleson hauls his grain to market in more modern ways, and he even uses a gasoline engine to do all of his plowing. He can now plow more land in half a day than his father could plow in a week with oxen, and do it better and with infinitely more ease. With his farm of more than three hundred acres, Mr. Mikkleson is an extensive grain and stock raiser, feeding most of his grain to stock, which he fattens for the market. Few farms in the state are better equipped for progressive farming and Mr. Mikkleson ranks among the most progressive of his county.

N. A. Mikkleson was married on February 4, 1889, to Christina MATTISON, who is also a native of Denmark, a daughter of Peter Mattison and wife. Her mother died when she was a small girl. Her parents came to the United States in 1886 and located in Monona county, Iowa. N. A. and Christina (Mattison) Mikkleson have seven children, six of whom are living, Rasmus, October 15, 1890, died on March 22, 1898; Sophia, born on October 15, 1892; Sena, September, 1894; Harry, March 22, 1898; Raymond, July 5, 1900; Stella, July 27, 1904; Glenn, March 9, 1912. Sena is the only child married. She married Floyd Alton and lives on a farm in Little Sioux township, and has one son, Leo M.

The family are loyal members of the Lutheran church and are greatly interested in all of its activities. Mr. Mikkleson is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He has always given his loyal support to the Democratic party. He has served on the school board and was treasurer of that body in his township for four years. He has also been trustee and at the present time is serving as treasurer of his township. In every official position, he has rendered his fellow citizens faithful and efficient service, and, consequently, is eminently deserving of the high esteem in which he is held by everyone who knows him.

The History of Harrison Co., IA, 1981.

Andrew Armstrong - Andrew Armstrong was born in County Derry, Minniemoore, Ireland and came to the United States in 1864 with his wife and four children. His wife died shortly after their arrival. He placed the three younger children, Frank, Hattie and Elizabeth in foster homes in New York, where they lived all of their lives. The oldest son, William remained with his father. Andrew joined the Union Army on Nov 19, 1867, near the close of the Civil War. He served three years. While on guard duty at a town well in Richmond, Virginia, he met a young girl who came to get water. She was Sarah Elizabeth Willix, born Jan 7, 1850
in Richmond Virginia. Andrew and Sarah were married November 19, 1869.

Andrew was in Wyoming when he received his discharge from the army. They migrated to Kansas then later, moved to Little Sioux, Iowa, where they engaged in farming north of Little Sioux along the foothills. When they retired, they moved to an acreage in River Sioux where they spent their remaining years.

Ten children were born to this union, seven reaching adulthood. They were Andrew Jr. who married Minnie White. Their children were: Blanche Wiltfonge, Edna Schmitt, Addie Withem, Irvin and Ellen Small, Robert who married Minda Conyers. Their children were Lavida Denny and Emile. Sarah married Thomas Bothwell. Their children were Bessie Forsen, Ethel Nelson, Bertha Kidder, Leonna Powell, Lloyd Thomas, Joseph and Josephine, twins. Joseph married Ethel Kerr. Their children were Bruce, Rose Ramsey, Hugh, Phil, Elizabeth Crabb, Wayne and Lyle. John married Anna Anderson and their children were Floyd, Earl and Inez. George married Grace Mortesen. They had one daughter, Dorothy Young. Grace died at Dorothy's birth. He then married Nettie Bothwell. Their children were Pearl Wood, Eugene and Imogene Haller who were twins. Ella married Irvin Cross. They had four boys; Gordon, Leo, Eldon, Donald. After her husband's death, she married Henry Little and they had one son Jack Little. Three other children, Mattie, twins Benjamin and Thomas died in early childhood. The living children after marriage all engaged in farming in or near the Little Sioux area. They all lived to be octogenarians except George who died at the age of 55 years. The only living member at this writing is Ella Little who lived in River Sioux. Andrew passed away Sep. 1922, and Sarah in Sep. 23, 1930. Both are buried in Little Sioux cemetery.

Note: There is a picture of Andrew and Sarah with this article.

George Adam Bartelt was born February 18, 1891, in Audubon Twp., Audubon Co., IA, son of Fred Bartell of Germany and Elizabeth (Unknown) of Iowa. Fred was a Farmer living in Audubon Twp., Audubon Co., IA. In 1917 he was an unmarried farmer.

Harry A. E. Mikkleson, 68, Strang, died Sunday (4/4/04) in Fairmont. Born, River Sioux, Iowa, (8/14/35) to Raymond and Mary (Elliff) Mikkleson. Korean War veteran. Worked for First Federal Savings & Loan, Lincoln. Former owner, First City Savings & Loan, Lincoln; Strang Tavern, Strang.

Survivors: wife, Janet E.; son, daughter-in-law, Darrell and Pamela, Lincoln; daughter, Lucinda "Cindy" Drees, Lincoln; sister, brother-in-law, Joanne and John Little, Blair; brother-in-law, Dwight Grandgenett, Battle Creek, Mich.; seven grandchildren.

Services: 2 p.m. Thursday, Rush Family Care Services Funeral Home, Onawa, Iowa. John Lizer officiating. Little Sioux Cemetery, Little Sioux. Visitation: 1-9 p.m. today, with family 6:30-8:30 p.m., Farmer & Son Funeral Home, Geneva; Wednesday at Rush Funeral Home. Memorials to the family. q

Calvin J. 'Cal' Miller