The Nellers came in June of this year, 1856, and consisted of Francis A. and son Sebastian; Francis Neller, a nephew; Joseph Neller, another nephew. They are of German descent. They came here from Jefferson County, Wisconsin.

Francis A. Neller Sr. pre-empted the southwest quarter of section 14, Sebastian the northwest quarter of the same section.

John L. Neller was born in Baden, Germany, December 25, 1841. He came to America in 1852 and was married April 22, 1869 to Emma M. Stokes. She was born in Winnebago County, Wisconsin April 27, 1850. He came with his parents to Udolpho Township, where they settled in 1856. His farm contains 200 acres.

Mr. Neller enlisted August 9, 1862 in Company C, Ninth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, served until August 1865, and was taken sick at Mobile about the time Lee surrendered, from the effects of sunstroke, and remained there until the last days of February, 1866, from the effects of which he draws a pension. Is a member of Austin Lodge No. 20 I.O.O.F.

John L. Neller is the son of Francis A. and Magdalena (Miller) Neller, who came to America, bringing a family of seven children; Margaret, who is dead; Sebastian, who went to Blue Earth County in 1863, where he died January 29, 1878; Johanna, who married Joseph Neller and lives in section 23; John L. the subject of this sketch; Martin, also a resident of Blue Earth County; Sophia, wife of Alexander Latourelle; and August, both reside in Blue Earth County.

The mother died in Udolpho in 1862. The father moved to Blue Earth County where he died December 13, 1883.

Sebastian lived in the township until the summer of 1864 when he sold out and went to the town of Medo, Blue Earth County, Minnesota, where he died January 29, 1878.

Francis Neller settled in section 15, where he still lives. [Note: Francis A. Neller b. October 4, 1828, died March 4, 1905 in Mower County]

Joseph Neller settled in section 23. He still resides in the township.

[Note: Joseph Neller died in Mower County November 6, 1904]

[Note: John L. Neller died in Mower County June 11, 1926]

History of Mower County, 1884

Transcribed and submitted to MnGenWeb by Kathy Pike, Jan. 13, 2007