       
|
| Memorial
Stone for Elina Nelson
For several years, some of us, including cousins in Idaho
and Utah, bemoaned the lack of a grave marker in Bethel Lutheran
Cemetery for Elina Olson Nelson, first wife of John Nelson and mother of
Alfred Nelson. Elina died March 23, 1881, at the age of 40. Early burial
records for Bethel Lutheran Cemetery are incomplete so the exact
location of her grave is unknown. Several people recall visits with Emma
Bergren to the Northwest corner of Bethel Lutheran Cemetery and Emma
indicating Elina was buried "somewhere around here."
Last summer a meeting was held with the Bethel Cemetery Board. A location was agreed upon for the erection of a monument in the Northwest corner of the cemetery. A monument was selected from Carlyle Monuments in Denison that is somewhat old-fashioned looking so it will blend in with the neighboring stones. The monument will also recognize Carl Oscar Nelson, the oldest son of John and Elina Nelson. Carl died February 9, 1882. It is not known where Carl is buried, but since he died less than a year after his mother, it is likely he was buried with or near her. The back of the monument will state the number of children Elina bore (10); number of grandchildren (31); number of great grandchildren (53) and number of great great grandchildren (unknown at this time). The Iowa-Utah-Idaho cousins are trying to determine the number of great great grandchildren. There are 65 great great grandchildren from Alfred and Anna so the total should be in excess of 100. The monument will be installed in time for our reunion, August 6. If you would like to join the list of donors helping to purchase and place the monument, please contact: Nancy Crouch Phone: 1-712-447-6478
© 2006
|
