Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-01-17

Of his native town. His early education
was obtained from private teachers and in
common and high schools. For several
years he was also employed in the dry
goods, grocery and commission business.
He emtgrated to this country in 1856, and
embarked in business in the west. He had
the misfortune to experience reverses In the
financial panic of 1857.
September IS, 1861, he enlisted in the reg
ular army of the United States from Scott
county, Iowa. He was first a private In
Company G, 18th Regiment. U. S. A, COM
manded by William Tecumseh Sherman
(then colonel. He was soon promoted to
first sergeant and then to sergeant major.
The regiment was assigned to Biair's divi-
sion. 18th Army Corps, and he participated
in the following engagements: ChickasaW
Bayou, Arkansas Post, Ark; Walnut Hill,
near Vicksburg. Miss; siege of Vicksburg,
Miss, and number of minor engag ements.
He was honorably discharged September
%, 1863, at Vicksburg, Miss, to accept pro-
motion. He re-enlisted the same day for
three years during the war, and was ad-
jutant and first lieutenant of the I'd Regi-
ment Mississippi Volunteer Infantry, Col.
George H. Ziegler commanding. In Octo-
Der, 1863, the designation of the regiment
was changed. and it became known as the
SD Regiment, L. S. c. Volunteer Infantry.
1t was assigned to the Sd Brigade, Sd Divi-
sion, 18th and 18th Corps. Army of the
Tennessee. and participated in the following
engagements: Vicksburg, Miss, February
IL. 1864; Coleman s Plantation. near Port
Gibson, Miss, July and 5, 1864; Bayou
Biddle, La, October 10, 1864. and a number
Of minor engagements and skirmishes, also
performing guard, garrison and provost
duty He was wounded in both shoulders
at Coleman's Plantation. Miss, July 4,
1864. and afterward wounded In the
knee and wrist in skirmishes. He was pro-
NOTED to captain September Z. 1864, and
honorably discharged May ., 1866.
His enlistment.
In November Of the same year Captain
Nelson re-enlisted in the 43d Regiment,
U. s. l., and was soon made sergeant major
of the regiment. He served for three years.
He was afterward employed in the geo.
graphical department of the lakes. In 1874
he was appointed to clerkship in the office
Of the adjutant general of the War Depart
ment, and SO continued for thirty years.
He was long chief of the enlisted men S
division of that office.
Captain Nelson was distinguished both in
Masonry and Pythianism. In the former
order he was most active in the Scottish
Rite and held many prominent positions.
At the time of his death he had attained
the 33d degree in the southern jurisdiction
He became a knight of Pythias early in
1873, receiving the ranks in Myrtle Lodge
No. 4. at Detroit. Mich. He was formerly
a member of the Grand Lodge of Michigan
and afterward for many years member
of the Grand Lodge of this District. He
was, at the time of his death, grand repre-
sentative from Superior Lodge, No. 81 He
joined Webster Lodge, No. T. Of this juris-
diction. in 1874. and soon passed the chairs.
He was elected from the floor Of the Grand
Lodge to the office of grand chancellor
January %, 1877. He served with much
ability in that Office. Four years later,
January %, 1881 he was elected supreme
representative, and served four years. He
was for many years member OF the board
of trustees of the endowment rank, K. OF
p, and also active in the uniformed rank
of the order.
Company Named in His Honor.
The Oldest company of the military branch
of the Pythian order in this city. Nelson
company, is named in his honor. He was
buried this afternoon in the Pythian uni
form, and with the full Masonic ceremonies
due to his high rank in that fraternity. He