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History of Early Pioneer Families of Hood River, Oregon. Compiled by Mrs. D.M. Coon
MARTIN H. NICKELSEN AND FAMILY 1884
Martin Nickelsen was born March 18, 1848, on the island
of Fohr, in the North Sea. The island was owned jointly by Denmark and Germany
and contained from thirty to fifty square miles.
His father was Peter Nickelsen, of Schleeswig. Martin
was educated in the public schools and then learned the blacksmith's trade.
On October 22, 1867, he married Miss Inge Rorden who
was also a native of the island of Fohr. In 1871 the family came to the United
States locating in California where, for five years he operated a blacksmith
shop. The family moved to The Dalles, Oregon, in 1879 where he worked for
the O.R.N. Co.
In 1884 he came to Hood River, purchasing twenty acres
near Belmont. The family lived on this tract and Mr. Nickelsen improved the
land at the some time running a blacksmith shop.
After a number of years spent on the farm they moved
into the town of Hood River and engaged in the mercantile business being
assisted by his two sons.
They continued in that business for six years.
Mr. Nickelsen was the first treasurer of the town of
Hood. River and served the school district as clerk for thirty years. Faithful
and reliable in small matters he was absolutely trustworthy in large ones.
Mr. and Mrs. Nickelsen were the parents of five children: John R. who became
a first class blacksmith and operated a shop for many years in the town of
Hood River. Was sent to State Senate and filed other positions of trust and
honor. He married Minnie Blowers and they have three sons, Donald, a world
war veteran and a physician of note, and the twins, Ted and Ned, Christian
D. a farmer, with an interesting family. Rose, now Mrs. Nealiegh, Mrs. Ida
~ Frohn and Mrs. Margaret Bullard.
Mr. Nickelsen was an active member of the Knights of
Pythias and of the A.O.U.W. Mrs. Nickelsen had one brother, George Rorden
who was a resident of Hood River for many years.
Mrs. Nickelsen passed away in
……and that's where the article ended!
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