Portage County Historical Society
BIOGRAPHY OF Nels J. Loberg
My grandfather, Nels J. Loberg, son of Pioneer, Johan N. Loberg, (who emigrated to Wisconsin in 1849, with his parents and siblings), (b.02 August, 1837; d. 20 Dec., 1920), and mother, Anna Marie Skowen, (b.25 Jan., 1836; d. 18 Jan. 1921),who emigrated in 1855, was born on February 18, 1860, on the home farm in Amherst Township. He died 28 November 1946 at home in Nelsonville.
He began a General Merchandising business in Nelsonville, in 1886, in partnership with Gilbert Gullickson. They took over the business of John N. Loberg at Nelsonville. He bought out his partner’s interest a few years later.
Nels married Dina Boe, (b. 28 July, 1856; d. 11 March, 1911) on 26 Dec., 1889. She was the daughter of Pioneer, David Knudsen Boe, (b.03 October, 1826; d. 21 Feb., 1896), and Kirsti Andersdtr Moe, (b. 08 January, 1821; d. 15 February, 1864) from Lærdal, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. They emigrated in 1854 and owned a farm in Amherst Township, a few miles east of Nelsonville.
Nels and Dina made their home in Nelsonville, where were born three stillborn babies, and one boy, Chester, who died in infancy, and one boy, Jesse Dewey Loberg, who lived until age 84. (b. 24 October, 1891; d. 27 June, 1975) Jesse married Margaret C. Hansen, (b. 03 July, 1892; d. 03 March, 1980) on 18 May 1921 in Madison, Wisconsin. Four daughters were born - Marjorie, Dorothy, Virginia, and Charlotte.
Nels & Dina (Boe) Loberg
The Loberg home in Nelsonville is still owned by a member of the family.
I have in my possession, some stationery with letterheads, of Nels’ business. They are: "Loberg, Johnson & Co." - 1907; "N. J. Loberg & Co." - 1916; and "N. J. Loberg & Co." - 1927. He brought his brother, Carl Loberg into the business, exact year unknown, and in about 1933, sold the business to him. Nels then, was a prominent businessman in the early days of Nelsonville history.
He belonged to the original old New Hope Lutheran Church, then, South New Hope Lutheran Church, and later, to Our Savior Lutheran Church at Benson Corners.