Credible family sources identify Nils Peter Olsson (1836-1890) as the father of at least one of Maria's children, Nels Alfred Wicklund. Nils had a wife and other children. It is possible that he fathered Katherine, even Brita, but that is unknown. When Maria, and eventually Nels immigrated to MN they settled in Roseau County, where some of his half-siblings, such as Nels Olof Nelson (1862-1944) settled as well. The two Nels' were reportedly close and amongst older generations of the family, it was well-known that they were related.
This story comes from a letter written by one of Nels Nelson's grandchildren, but it is unknown how valid the story is.
