"The Gentle Strongman"
Angels Camp Blacksmith and Circus Tattooed Strongman, Mr. Nielsen was much beloved by the local residents, especially the children who listened with rapt attention to his stories about life in the circus.
He spent a good deal of time visiting children's wards at various hospitals to entertain the children with his tattoos, feats of strength and circus stories.
According to locals, "Big Nels" continued to work as a local blacksmith and in the mines when not traveling with Ringling Brothers, Barnum, Bailey Circus. There are records stating he also appeared at San Francisco's Golden Gate Exposition and the New York World's Fair.
The Angels Camp Museum has an interesting display including the 150 lb. anvil that he lifted by his pierced nipples. (Spoiler alert: The anvil is substantially lighter than the 150 lbs. painted on it.) His nose, tongue and neck were also pierced and were used to lift and pull weights during his performances.
At age 83 and never married, Nels died in the Hotel Wolf in Stockton, CA during a 2-day stay. According to an autopsy, cause of death was Acute Pericarditis...he suffered from acute heart disease and hypertension.
His death certificate lists his occupation as "Showman," his parents' names as "Unknown," and place of residence "Altaville, CA." A copy of the death certificate can be obtained from Calaveras County Archives in San Andreas, CA.
His entire estate was donated to the Crippled Children's Hospital in San Francisco per his wishes. I was told by locals that he would entertain in the children's wards at various hospitals.
Sadly someone felt compelled to steal the photo-medallion from his headstone.
Angels Camp Blacksmith and Circus Tattooed Strongman, Mr. Nielsen was much beloved by the local residents, especially the children who listened with rapt attention to his stories about life in the circus.
He spent a good deal of time visiting children's wards at various hospitals to entertain the children with his tattoos, feats of strength and circus stories.
According to locals, "Big Nels" continued to work as a local blacksmith and in the mines when not traveling with Ringling Brothers, Barnum, Bailey Circus. There are records stating he also appeared at San Francisco's Golden Gate Exposition and the New York World's Fair.
The Angels Camp Museum has an interesting display including the 150 lb. anvil that he lifted by his pierced nipples. (Spoiler alert: The anvil is substantially lighter than the 150 lbs. painted on it.) His nose, tongue and neck were also pierced and were used to lift and pull weights during his performances.
At age 83 and never married, Nels died in the Hotel Wolf in Stockton, CA during a 2-day stay. According to an autopsy, cause of death was Acute Pericarditis...he suffered from acute heart disease and hypertension.
His death certificate lists his occupation as "Showman," his parents' names as "Unknown," and place of residence "Altaville, CA." A copy of the death certificate can be obtained from Calaveras County Archives in San Andreas, CA.
His entire estate was donated to the Crippled Children's Hospital in San Francisco per his wishes. I was told by locals that he would entertain in the children's wards at various hospitals.
Sadly someone felt compelled to steal the photo-medallion from his headstone.
"The Gentle Strongman"
Angels Camp Blacksmith and Circus Tattooed Strongman, Mr. Nielsen was much beloved by the local residents, especially the children who listened with rapt attention to his stories about life in the circus.
He spent a good deal of time visiting children's wards at various hospitals to entertain the children with his tattoos, feats of strength and circus stories.
According to locals, "Big Nels" continued to work as a local blacksmith and in the mines when not traveling with Ringling Brothers, Barnum, Bailey Circus. There are records stating he also appeared at San Francisco's Golden Gate Exposition and the New York World's Fair.
The Angels Camp Museum has an interesting display including the 150 lb. anvil that he lifted by his pierced nipples. (Spoiler alert: The anvil is substantially lighter than the 150 lbs. painted on it.) His nose, tongue and neck were also pierced and were used to lift and pull weights during his performances.
At age 83 and never married, Nels died in the Hotel Wolf in Stockton, CA during a 2-day stay. According to an autopsy, cause of death was Acute Pericarditis...he suffered from acute heart disease and hypertension.
His death certificate lists his occupation as "Showman," his parents' names as "Unknown," and place of residence "Altaville, CA." A copy of the death certificate can be obtained from Calaveras County Archives in San Andreas, CA.
His entire estate was donated to the Crippled Children's Hospital in San Francisco per his wishes. I was told by locals that he would entertain in the children's wards at various hospitals.
Sadly someone felt compelled to steal the photo-medallion from his headstone.
Angels Camp Blacksmith and Circus Tattooed Strongman, Mr. Nielsen was much beloved by the local residents, especially the children who listened with rapt attention to his stories about life in the circus.
He spent a good deal of time visiting children's wards at various hospitals to entertain the children with his tattoos, feats of strength and circus stories.
According to locals, "Big Nels" continued to work as a local blacksmith and in the mines when not traveling with Ringling Brothers, Barnum, Bailey Circus. There are records stating he also appeared at San Francisco's Golden Gate Exposition and the New York World's Fair.
The Angels Camp Museum has an interesting display including the 150 lb. anvil that he lifted by his pierced nipples. (Spoiler alert: The anvil is substantially lighter than the 150 lbs. painted on it.) His nose, tongue and neck were also pierced and were used to lift and pull weights during his performances.
At age 83 and never married, Nels died in the Hotel Wolf in Stockton, CA during a 2-day stay. According to an autopsy, cause of death was Acute Pericarditis...he suffered from acute heart disease and hypertension.
His death certificate lists his occupation as "Showman," his parents' names as "Unknown," and place of residence "Altaville, CA." A copy of the death certificate can be obtained from Calaveras County Archives in San Andreas, CA.
His entire estate was donated to the Crippled Children's Hospital in San Francisco per his wishes. I was told by locals that he would entertain in the children's wards at various hospitals.
Sadly someone felt compelled to steal the photo-medallion from his headstone.
Inscription
Native of Denmark
Entered the USA in 1891
Blacksmith and strongman of the Mother Lode, 1902-1937, when he began a 20-year career with Barnam, Bailey Circus featured internationally as the world's strongest and most tattooed man. He lifted 2,250 lbs.
A bachelor and lover of children, he left his entire estate to the Crippled Children's Hospital in San Francisco, California.
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