Homer Augustus Nelson Explained

Homer Augustus Nelson
Image Name:Homer A Nelson.jpg
State:New York
District:12th
Party:Democrat
Term:March 4, 1863  - March 3, 1865
Preceded:Stephen Baker
Succeeded:John Henry Ketcham
Office2:New York Secretary of State
Term Start2:January 1, 1868
Term End2:December 31, 1871
Governor2:Reuben Fenton
John T. Hoffman
Predecessor2:Francis C. Barlow
Successor2:G. Hilton Scribner
Office3:Member of the New York State Senate
Term Start3:January 1, 1882
Term End3:December 31, 1883
Predecessor3:Stephen H. Wendover
Successor3:Thomas Newbold
Birth Date:August 31, 1829
Birth Place:Poughkeepsie, New York, U.S.
Death Place:Poughkeepsie, New York, U.S.
Spouse:Helen Stearns
Profession:Politician, lawyer
Resting Place:Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery

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.

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.