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

Sam C. Nessling, conductor C. & N. W. R. R.; was born August 14, 1845, at March, Cambridgeshire, England; came to American in 1853 with his parents, Samuel and Alice (Edgeley) Nessling; first located at Chicago, where his father took contract for the construction of Chicago depot of the Pittsburgh & Ft. Wayne R. R.; he died at Janesville, Wis., about two years later; his widow survives him and resides at Oshkosh with her son. Sam was employed for some time as errand boy in Chicago mercantile establishments; he was one of the first newsboys on the North Side of that city, afterward worked at the tinsmith's trade for three and a half years; he was for four months a member of the Ellsworth Zouaves; he was connected with McVicker's Theater one year, and with a minstrel troupe for the same length of time. He then engage in railroading and has since been connected with the C. & N. W. R. R. Mr. Nessling was married at Oshkosh in March, 1866, to Charlotte A. Rice, a native of Canada; they have two children- Charles R. and Frances Alice. Mr. Nessling is a member of A.O.U.W. and American Legion of Honor; he is also Chancellor Commander of Lodge No. 25, K. of P., and President of the Endowment Rank, K. of P.