Nels married Harriet Marie Hageman Hagerup (1851 - 1918). She was born in Bergen, Norway on June 26, 1851. Harriet Marie and Nels came from Portland to San Francisco in 1892 and established a home at 1224 46th Avenue in the Sunset District, less than a block from Golden Gate Park and three blocks from Ocean Beach. To support his family, Nels worked as a stevedore. When not at work, he often walked to the beach and painted, and he is well known for his sand dunes, ships, and marine scenes and sunsets.
Mrs. Hagerup preceded Nels in death, and died on April 30, 1918. Her rare works include copies of religious genre and other artists' paintings; she seldom signed her paintings.
Not much is written or known of Nels Hagerup. Our gallery has been unable to find a photograph of him, but the search goes on.
Source: Artists in California 1786 - 1940, Edan Milton Hughes, 3d ed. ; Oregon Historical Society, Oregon Art, Artists Biographies