Homer Augustus Nelson

Homer Augustus Nelson (August 31, 1829 – April 25, 1891) was an American politician and soldier from the state of New York. He served one term in the U.S. House of Representative and was an officer in the Union Army during the first part of the Civil War and a United States congressman during the latter half of the war.

Homer Augustus Nelson
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 12th district
In office March 4, 1863 – March 3, 1865
Preceded by	Stephen Baker
Succeeded by	John Henry Ketcham
New York Secretary of State
In office January 1, 1868 – December 31, 1871
Governor	Reuben Fenton John T. Hoffman
Preceded by	Francis C. Barlow
Succeeded by	G. Hilton Scribner
Member of the New York State Senate
In office January 1, 1882 – December 31, 1883
Preceded by	Stephen H. Wendover
Succeeded by	Thomas Newbold
Personal details
Born	(1829-08-31)August 31, 1829 Poughkeepsie, New York, U.S.
Died	April 25, 1891(1891-04-25) (aged 61) Poughkeepsie, New York, U.S.
Resting place	Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Helen Stearns
Profession	Politician, lawyer

Early life and education

Nelson was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, where he was also raised and educated. He studied law and was admitted to the bar, commencing practice in Poughkeepsie.

Judicial career

He was a judge of Dutchess County, New York, from 1855 to 1862.

Civil War

At the outbreak of the Civil War, he became colonel of the 159th New York Volunteer Infantry.

Political career

He left in 1863 when he took his seat in the 38th United States Congress, but was unsuccessful for reelection in 1864.

Following the war, he was a delegate to the New York State Constitutional Convention in 1867 and the same year was elected Secretary of State of New York serving until 1871. He was a member of the New York State Senate (15th D.) in 1882 and 1883; and was appointed to the commission to report a revision of the judiciary article of the New York Constitution in 1890.

Death and burial

He died on April 25, 1891, in Poughkeepsie and was interred in Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery.

External links

• United States Congress. "Homer Augustus Nelson (id: N000034)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
• Homer Augustus Nelson at Find a Grave