Harry Nilsson often spoke of his circus family background and revealed that the family name was once “Nelson” and had been recently changed to “Nilsson” — along with a long list of reasons why this had happened. In any case, if true, here is a long-lost rundown of some of Harry’s ancestral circus folks:
NELSON FAMILY CIRCUS
Arthur Nelson, of the Original Nelson Family, after closing the season with the John Robinson Circus, left for his home in Mt. Clemens, Mich. and after a four weeks’ vacation opened in vaudeville with his novelty wire act, The Three Nelson Sisters, comprised of Rosina, Hilda and Oneida Nelson. Mrs. Nelson and the rest of the family are at home in Mt. Clemens. Billboard, December 7, 1918, p. 26.