KingsUpdate A Century of Pioneering Pioneers

A Century of Pioneering Pioneers Compiled by Herman G. Nelson
A history of Northern Aitkin County Minnesota, Swatara and the surrounding communities.

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A Century of Pioneering Pioneers

FOREWORD

The northwestern part of Aitkin County has been a colorful part of Minnesota, as its people were and still are. The peak of the timbering era involved many more people than are now living in this area. It would be regrettable if those who pioneered this part of the country would, just like a vegetable, have bloomed, withered and died with the season.

These were interesting people and what they lived for and did will be interesting to generations that follow. With this in mind the following pages were gathered. Sadly this was done ten years too late, as much interesting data has been lost by the passing of many of these pioneers.
As each generation passes, fewer memories are retained for posterity, so we took on the task of reviving and digging into the past to record this local history. To say this has been an interesting experience is an understatement. We hope that this will stir up some dormant memories and also be read by others from communities that have a similar history.

If some of these experiences seem to be unusual, please bear in mind these were unusual folks. These are not figments of the writer’s imagination, but are relayed to the reader just as given. We are sure nothing has been lost from repeated telling, although perhaps something has been added where some coloring was necessary. Even a great painting has to have some of the rough spots removed or something added.

Lest we forget we want to sincerely acknowledge and heartily thank all those who so generously contributed the use of their old pictures and documents for use in the following pages. Realizing how irreplaceable they are, we can’t help but wonder how we were entrusted with them. Again here’s a sincere, “Thank You.” It would be difficult to name each of those who had a part in this endeavor.

Compiled by Herman G. Nelson 1972

Addendum by Stacy Vellas Compiled 1993-1996

Retyped by Joan Kingsley 2006. [Note from Joan: I have typed this wonderful book just as my Dad gave it to me. I haven’t changed anything. It would have ruined it.]

Edited by Carmen Stratemeyer 2007

Karin Bailey wanted to add in a quote from her father Herman Nelson after the book was first published in 1972. Karin says: I would like to add a quote from Dad, as he was gathering this information from the various old timers. " As we talk to different people, we notice that two people, "telling the same story", will come up with completely different versions." Please take this into consideration when you believe some of the actual facts are somewhat misconstrued.

Finally this book is available for purchase. If you would like a copy for yourself please click on the link below to purchase from Lulu. The cost is $15 plus freight.

Jim Kingsley

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