John Nelson was a son of Hugh Nelson, Irish immigrant and stonemason by trade; and Sarah Day. He was born in Buffalo Cove, Caldwell County, N.C.He married Elizabeth Pendley or Penley. They lived on a farm near a road then known as the Blowing Rock turnpike. Their children were: George W., William Rufus, John H., Thomas F., Adolphus E., James Lee, Mary Ann (married Elijah Coffey), Jane Elizabeth (married James Webb Suddreth and then Jesse Gragg), and Sarah E. (married Job Moore).

A Biographical Sketch.

PATTERSON, N.C., May 1.--A short article in a recent number of THE TOPIC, copied from the News and Observer, in regard to Mr. John Nelson and his family might have stated some other facts of interest in relation to that worthy citizen and his family.

In the days of restlessness when so many of our people are disposed to go west or elsewhere in search of a better country, it is interesting to meet with a family whose members have quietly settled down and have proved that temperance, respectability and happiness may be attained in this country by habits of industry and economy. Such is the case with our friend Mr. Nelson and his children.

Mr. John Nelson and his late wife Elizabeth were born on or near Buffalo creek in 1812 and 1816, respectively, were married in 1836, and began wedded life with wedded means. Mrs. Nelson died in 1880, honored and respected by all. During his life they resided within 7 miles of the place of their birth, and six married children and families now reside within the same boundary. Only one daughter out of eight living children resides outside of this county, and she is near Blowing [Rock], only 13 miles distant. One son is a citizen of Lenoir. It is remarkable that his family, their connections by marriage, and descendants number 72 persons. Only 6 deaths have taken place since his marriage[,] a period of 48 years. And those who died are all buried near each other in one grave yard.

On inquiring I find that 25 of Mr. Nelson's grandchildren are regular attendants of the Patterson Sunday school, and 39 are within reach and no doubt will grow up into the school.

Mr. Nelson attributes much of his success in life to his strict habit of punctuality. For instance he has never failed to list his taxes on the day appointed, and he has always paid his taxes at the first call made by the sheriff. He has never had a suit in Court or before a magistrate, and has never paid one cent of costs.

It is needless to say that Mr. Nelson's children are all useful members of society. With only 2 exceptions those of sufficient years in the whole family are members of prominent churches. With such instances of success before us why should our young men leave this pleasant land where honest, intelligent labor meets a sure reward, and where progress is making rapid strides.
[Lenoir Topic (Lenoir, NC), 7 May 1884, 3.]

(Writer is a direct descendant.)