Contra Costa County Biography

 HENRY A. NELSON

Transcribed by Sally Kaleta, December, 2006.

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

 
                   Among the Native Sons of California, prominent mention should 
be made of Henry A. Nelson, postmaster at Oakley. He was born in Stockton 
December 13, 1874, the son of Henry A. and Ellen (Crane) Nelson. His father was 
a native of New Hampshire, while his mother died in October, 1914. When Henry A. 
Nelson was but five years of age his parents removed to and located in Berkeley, 
where Henry A. received his education in the public and high schools of that 
place. Finishing his education, he entered the employ of the Southern Pacific 
Company, and was identified with the train service for a period of seven years. 
In 1902 he went to Mexico, where he followed mining engineering for over four 
years. He located in Oakley in 1907, and followed ranching for four years. 
During President Taft's administration he was appointed postmaster at Oakley, 
and again received the same office under Wilson's administration. The leading 
factor in the success of Mr. Nelson's holding office in faithfulness, integrity, 
and strict attention to details, and he has won for himself a reputation for 
business ability. Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Lucy E. Holden, a 
native of San Francisco, March 29, 1896. To this union there have been three 
children - Jessie Viola, died at the age of four, in Mexico; Roland P., born 
February 19, 1906; Marion E., born March 3, 1909. Mrs. Nelson passed away on May 
26, 1916. Her death was mourned by a wide circle of friends. Fraternally, Mr. 
Nelson holds membership in the I. D. E. S. He has six and a half acres of land 
adjoining the town of Oakley.
 
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California," Elms Publ. Co., 1917, 
pp. 541-542.