History of northern Wisconsin: containing an account of its settlement, growth, development, and resources, an extensive sketch of its counties, cities, towns and villages, their improvements, industries, manufactories, biographical sketches, portraits of prominent men and early settlers, views of county seats, etc. Chicago: Western Historical Co., 1881. p.1156

S. B. Nelson, manager of Wisconsin Manufacturing Company was born in Marlboro, Cheshire Co., N.H., March 6, 1828. His parents, William and Lucy (Batcheler) Nelson being old residents. Mr. Nelson, Sr. was a local preacher of the Methodist Church. The subject of this sketch was engaged in wooden ware and sash, door and blind business in New Hampshire. In business for himself about three years in West Swanzey. In 1857, he moved to Wisconsin and located in Menasha, and engaged with Menasha Wooden ware Company. In 1862, Mr. Nelson raised a company of volunteers in Menasha, which were mustered into the United States service as Company I, 21st W. V. I. In 1863, Capt. Nelson was taken prisoner at Stone River, and after being detained several days, was paroled. He then went to Camp Chase, and by the advice of his physician, resigned in 1863 and returned to Menasha. Re-entered the wooden ware works, and remained about three years; after spending more two years in farming, Mr. Nelson moved to Peshtigo and took charge of wooden works there. In the famous fires of 1871, these were swept away, and he returned to Menasha and took a position as Superintendent of the Menasha Wooden Ware Works, where he remained until 1878, in which year, he came to Oshkosh and bought an interest in the Wisconsin Manufacturing Company. He was married in Swanzey, N.H., in 1851, to Miss Louisa M. Bailey, who died, leaving two children- Sarah Imogene (now Mrs. C.A. Spicer) and Lulu Louisa; was married in Stockbridge, N.H., in May, 1864, to Mrs. Lestina (Eldridge) Holt. They have two children- Elwin F. and Roy B. Mr. N. is a member of the Baptist Church, and of the A., F. & A. M., of Menasha.