Planting New Roots At The Nelson Pioneer Farm
Oskaloosa, Iowa – What kind of birthday party would you like to throw? For Ohio resident Steve Gallagher, and direct descendant of Daniel Nelson, that party couldn’t happen anywhere else but on the grounds of the Nelson Pioneer Farm.
On Saturday, the family celebrated Gallagher’s birthday,
Gallagher was turning 80, and he is the great-great-grandson of Daniel Nelson, who settled his farm northeast of Oskaloosa in 1843.
John Nelson, son of Daniel Nelson, left the farm when he was 16-years-of age, departing for Kansas. He had a daughter, Bessie Nelson, which was Gallagher’s grandmother.
Gallagher’s father left Kansas to work with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, transferring around the country, eventually landing in Ohio. “By coincidence, I ended up in Butler County, Ohio, which is where Daniel Nelson left from to come here,” explained Gallagher. “I didn’t even know that until about ten years ago.”
This was Gallagher’s third time visiting the farm. His first visit came in the 1960’s, visiting once again around 2008.
“I’ve had trouble getting all my kids here,” explained Gallagher of the visit to the farm. “So I said I’m having my 80th birthday here, and you’re invited. And I said you’re invited, and I’m taking roll call.”
A family lunch took place in the Nelson barn, tours of the facility and family pictures on the front porch of the Nelson House were all part of the day.
Something special took place, as Gallagher and his family planted a tree on the grounds of the farm. This planting made a connection, or roots, for the Nelson decendants.
When it comes to the legacy of the Nelson Pioneer Farm, Gallagher says, “It’s neat. That’s why I wanted my kids to see it.”
Those family visitors came from California, Ohio, Illinois, and Georgia.
The farm came into possession of the Mahaska County Historical Society in 1958 when the grandchildren of Daniel passed away.
Nelson Pioneer Farm board member John Jacobs said, “this is great to have.”
The Nelson Pioneer Farm is open May through September, 10 am to 4 pm Tuesday through Saturday, and 12 pm to 5 pm on Sunday.
You can find them online at http://www.nelsonpioneer.org/.