The Strange Case of Mrs Snar

Nelson land on Stowe's Lake

The case of "Mrs Snar" is a strange piece of family lore. My great-grandfather, Carl Nelson, immigrated from Sweden in 1886 and purchased a farm north of Brandon, MN on Stowe's Lake.  (See my Fageras to Brandon post). In 1900, Carl and sons entered into an unusual agreement to acquire the property of the widow, Brita Snar. 

1895 Douglas County Census

According to 1895 Minnesota census records, Brita was the widow of Erick Snar, a Brandon doctor who had died in 1898. Brita was 77.

From 1900 to her death in 1909 at the age of 89 years, Brita Snar lived with the Nelsons on the Nelson farm in Brandon. She was known to spend her days sitting on the porch smoking her pipe. She upset my grandmother Esther by drooling on the wood stove. 

The following is an excerpt from the "Bond for Support" signed & sealed by Carl, and sons Gust and John Nelson as part of a land transaction:

“… Lot No. 16 in Block 2 in the original townsite of Brandon, said Douglas County, .. in consideration of the following promise, covenant and agreement for the support and maintenance of the said Brita Snar made by the said Carl Nelson, to-wit:

The said Carl Nelson, in consideration of the premises, does hereby promise, covenant and agree to and with the said Brita Snar to support and maintain the said Brita Snar for and during the term of her natural life, rendering furnishing and giving unto the said Brita Snar during all of the said period good and sufficient food, clothing, shelter and care, and medicine and medical attention in times of sickness and infirmity, … 

the said Brita Snar to reside with the said Carl Nelson as a member of his family in the dwelling house of the said Carl Nelson situate on the southwest quarter of the northeast of section 8 in the Town of Brandon, said Douglas County, or in any dwelling house that said Nelson may hereafter reside and occupy with his family …  And the said Nelson further agrees at all times to treat the said Brita Snar in a kind, considerate and respectful manner and as a member of his family. 

… The undersigned further covenants and agrees to pay unto the said Brita Snar the sum of Five Dollars each and every year for and during the term of her life, if she demands the same. … 

Now, if the said Carl Nelson, his heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, shall well and truly perform each and all of the covenants conditions and agreements herein contained on his part to be kept and performed toward the said Brita Snar according to the true intent of this agreement, then the above obligation to pay the sum of $500 shall be null and void, otherwise to remain of full force and virtue.”  

IN WITNESS WHEREFORE 9 March 1900 ...

The photo below shows Mrs Snar (seated) with her nephew, Jacob Nelson and his wife. (The woman on the far right is unknown.  I also have no idea if Jacob Nelson might be related to the Carl Nelsons.)

Mrs. Snar (seated) presumably taken at their Brandon Home

The Nelson family, with in-laws and Brita & Erick Snar (3rd, 4th from left) 1890's - in front of the Nelson farm home
(Caveat: the identification of the Snars is based on photo comparisons and is unsubstantiated)

Bond for Support document