From the January 14, 1982 edition of The Wayne Herald:
Family, friends honoring Mrs. Matilda Nelson
Matilda Nelson, born in Orsia, Sweden on Jan. 20, 1882, will observe her 100th birthday this weekend at the Wakefield Health Care Center where she has resided the past two years.
All friends and relatives are invited to attend the open house reception Sunday, Jan. 17, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Hosts are her children, Lloyd and Alice Surber of Ponca, Raymond and Marilyn Nelson and Robert and Eva Nelson, all of Wayne, Leonard and Peggy Nelson of Tucson, Ariz., and Gustave Nelson of Norfolk.
There are 21 grandchildren, 54 great grandchildren, and six great great grandchildren.
Matilda, one of 10 children, is the only surviving member of her family. She came to the United States in April of 1908 and was united in marriage in May of 1908 to Carl (Charlie) Nelson.
The Nelsons resided in Wayne County until 1912 when they returned to Sweden. Matilda came back to the United States in 1916 and made her home with ther husband and family in the Winside community.
Mr. Nelson died in 1953, and Matilda continued to make her home in Winside until two years ago when she moved to the Wakefield Health Care Center.
Matilda, who speaks in both English and Swedish, recalls the 10-day boat trip in 1916 which brought she and her four small children back to the United States.
Her husband had returned two years earlier to make a home for his family. Four more children were born to the couple in Winside. Three are deceased - Margaret Nelson Mau, Harold, and Segvard.
Matilda still hears from her nieces and nephews residing in Sweden and smiles sweetly as she recalls her life there.
She especially remembers the times she spent ice skating with torches to the church, picking berries and nuts, and the May Day festival where she danced all night.
She also recalls when she was struck by lightning while living in Wayne County.
