Nelson, Thomas bio

Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County, Illinois: containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county: together with portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States, and governors of the state; Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890; page 620–621; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst
Thomas Nelson. To his skill in handicraft, his thorough knowledge of the materials and modes of usage best adapted to various kinds of building, Mr. Nelson adds the personal qualities which win the respect of friendship of those with whom he associates. He has also an honorable record as one of the vast number who devoted several of the best years of their lives to the preservation of the Union and the upholding of those institutions dear to all true patriots. In commemoration of the years which he spent on the tented field, he is identified with George Yokum Post. No. 325, G. A. R. while his social and benevolent traits find a partial outlet in the meetings and workings of Vermont Lodge, No. 112, A. F. & A. M., and Vermont Lodge, No. 79, I. O. O. F.
Mr. Nelson is of Irish ancestry in the paternal line, his father, Henry Nelson, having been born in the Emerald Isle, whence he came to America with his parents when but three years old. The first home of the family was in Pennsylvania, whence they removed to Belmont County, Ohio, in which the father of our subject continued to reside until 1837. He had learned the trade of a shoemaker, which he followed for a time after his removal to Illinois. His journey hither was made by boats on the Ohio, Mississippi, Illinois and Spoon Rivers to a landing in this county, whence he went with teams to Ipava Prairie. After spending a few weeks there he removed to Vermont, which was a hamlet of a few houses in the midst of a sparsely settled region.
Henry Nelson established a shoe shop, the first in the place, but after following his trade a year, sold out and did journey work for an employer. After a time he engaged in the sale of groceries and grain, expending his energies in this way some years, then establishing a cooper shop, which he operated for a time. About 1850 he bought a tract of timber land in Astoria Township, and building a dwelling there devoted his time to clearing land and tilling the soil. His death occurred on the farm in 1872. His wife, formerly Deborah Ann Hudson, a native of Ohio, survived until 1877, being at the time of her death a resident in the village of Astoria. She had borne her husband five children, namely; Susannah, Thomas, Henry, Amaziah H, and John, all yet living but Amaziah.
The subject of our notice was born in Belmont County, Ohio, February 6, 1834, and was but three years old when brought to the Prairie State. The temple of learning in which he pursued his studies was a primitive structure of logs, furnished with slab benches, and having a writing desk for the larger scholars made by boring hoes in the logs at the side of the room, inserting long pins and laying a plank upon them. The instruction which was afforded in the pioneer schools did not embrace the extended curriculum of the present day, but those who had a desire for learning were well grounded in the more practical branches of knowledge. The early recollections of our subject are of a country where but little effort had yet been made to cultivate or clear the land, and where various kinds of wild game were plentiful. No railroads afforded means for transportation and all produce sent to the market was hauled to the river town, whence it was generally sent on a flatboats to ports below.
Young Nelson was sixteen years old when his parents removed to their land, and a year later he left the parental roof to begin work by the month. He received $12 per month for a year’s services, after which he took jobs of clearing land, splitting rails, etc., finding this a more remunerative employment than that which he had previously pursued. He was very industrious, economical and prudent, and managed so carefully that after a time he was able to pay for his father’s farm, which he owned until the death of his parent. Some time in the ‘50s he began teaming between Vermont and Dilworth’s Landing, taking produce to the Landing, and on his return trip bringing merchandise.
In this occupation Mr. Nelson continued until 1860, when he married and set up his home on a tract of land three miles south of Vermont. There he remained until the fall of 1861, when he entered the Union Army, determined to do what he could to uphold the national unity and preserve the honor of the old flag. He was enrolled in company G, Eleventh Illinois Cavalry, I November, mustered into the service at Camp Lyon, Peoria, and after remaining there a few weeks in order to acquire some knowledge of military tactics and discipline, was set to St. Louis. The gallant conduct of the Eleventh, under the leadership of Col. Robert G. Ingersoll, is a matter of historical record, and well-known to all who followed the fortunes of the boys in blue during those trying years.
The first heavy engagement in which Mr. Nelson took part was the notable conflict of Shiloh, and he also participated in the battle of Corinth. After camping at that place a few weeks the command marched to Memphis, thence down the river to Lake Providence, which was their camp ground for a time prior to their participation in the battles of Champion Hills, Jackson, Miss., and the siege and capture of Vicksburg. After the battle of Corinth Company G was assigned as body guard to Gen. McArthur, and after the siege of Vicksburg as that of Ten. Crocker. In January, 1864, Mr. Nelson veteranized and some weeks later was granted a furlough. At its expiration he rejoined the command at Big Shanty, Ga., going with them to Atlanta, taking part in the principal battles of the Atlanta campaign and the siege and capture of that city.
After the fall of McPherson the company was assigned as body guard to Gen. F. P. Blair, commanding the Seventeenth army corps, and accompanied the command to Savannah, and thence via water to Beaufort, S. C. From that place they marched to Columbia, arriving the night before the city was burned, and afterward continued their march to Raleigh, at which place they were lying when news of the assassination of President Lincoln reached them. After the surrender of Johnston they marched to Washington via Richmond, participated in the Grand Review, after which they repaired to Louisville, Ky., to be mustered out of service. Returning to Vermont in July Mr. Nelson began work at the trade of a carpenter, which he continued for a time, then engaged in the lumber business, in which he is still engaged.
The lady with whom Mr. Nelson was united in marriage in 1860 was Catherine Hickok, who departed this life in 1866. In 1873 Mr. Nelson contracted a second matrimonial alliance, having won for his bride Miss Anna H. Miller, a native of Ohio, who presides with dignity and efficiency over the home, sympathizing in all her husband’s pursuits and recreations, and looking carefully after the welfare of their two children – Laura and Pearl D. Mrs. Nelson is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Nelson affiliates with the Republican party.