History of northern Wisconsin: containing an account of its settlement, growth, development, and resources, an extensive sketch of its counties, cities, towns and villages, their improvements, industries, manufactories, biographical sketches, portraits of prominent men and early settlers, views of county seats, etc. Chicago: Western Historical Co., 1881. p.1156

James Nelson, foreman in wood-work department of Parsons & Goodfellow's Carriage Works; he was born in Denmark April 5, 1840. He learned his trade in his native country, beginning in 1855, and worked until 1868; then emigrated to America and settled in Oshkosh and began work for Rudd & Holden, where he remained five years, then went to Clinton Junction and worked two and a half years, then returned to Oshkosh; worked in several shops in Northern Wisconsin; he began in his present place May 26, 1879. Was married in Denmark in 1865, to Miss Mary Brandt, who was born in Sweden. They have one child living- Caroline P. Mrs. N. died in 1871. He was again married, in 1873, in Oshkosh, to Mrs. Katie Peterson who was born in Sweden. They have three children- Peter F., James L. and Edward. Mrs. N. had one daughter by former marriage- Anna C. Mr. N. took charge of wood-work Dec. 1, 1879, in the above carriage works.