Nelson, Alfred

The following data is extracted from Biographies of Pulaski County, Georgia.

Alfred Nelson came to Georgia from Virginia in 1825 and settled near Perry. He married Pauline Jenkins of Houston County. She was a refined, educated woman, and very wealthy. Alfred Nelson raised cattle and was a large land and slave owner. He was uneducated, but was intensely interested in education and all worthy causes. The people of Houston County admired and respected him.

Twelve children were born to them, eight of whom were boys, who served in the War Between the States. One was killed. They received the best education Houston County offered, and the four girls attended Wesleyan College.
Alfred Nelson was buried at the Nelson Cemetery, two miles north of Perry, and his wife is buried at Brunswick. His children are Jim, who moved to Brunswick and was mayor at the time of his death, having served this office for several years. A monument is erected to his memory there. George lived and died at Olgethorpe. William moved to South Georgia and later to Louisiana, where he died. His son, Jim, became a Baptist minister and was pastor of Mount Pleasant and Friendship churches in this county. He was dearly loved by those he served. Alfred was killed in the Battle of the Wilderness. Martin remained in Houston County. His daughter, Kate, was a fine painter. Lina married John Murray, and Fannie, who married John Pew, moved to Florida. One Pew son was a physician, and another a dentist. Pauline, their daughter, is a talented musician. Margaret married Newton Grier and settled in Brunswick. Rebecca married Norman Mitchell while teaching school in Wilcox County. John married Martha Stripling, daughter of Thomas Stripling, a large land and slave owner of Jones County. They settled three miles north of Houston Factory. Soon after his marriage John volunteered for service in the War Between the States, being one of the first volunteers from Houston County. He served four years in Company K, and was wounded in the Battle of Bull Run and Manassas Junction. After the war he returned to Houston and helped in rebuilding the county. He was especially interested in education and religion, being a staunch Primitive Baptist. Seven sons were born to them while living in Houston.

In 1879 he moved to Pulaski County and settled eleven miles south of Hawkinsville. He engaged himself in farming and was much in demand as a carpenter. He was a leader in Faithful Hope Church as long as it stood, later becoming a member at Hawkinsville. He was faithful to his church and was loved and respected by his fellowmen. His wife died June 26, 1910, and he died July 4, 1923. Both are buried at Wesley Chapel Cemetery. His sons are : John Thomas, who married twice. Fannie Pollock was his first wife, and eight children were born to them. He lived in Dooly County at this time. When he married Alice Mixon he moved to Sycamore. One child was born to them. He died October 18, 1933, much loved by the people who knew him. He was a faithful deacon of the Missionary Baptist Church and was admired for his neighborliness.

Alfred Clayton married Emma Vaughn. They lived near the home place for a number of years and farmed. He served as Justice of the Peace for his district for several years. He was much interested in schools. In 1916 he moved to Pine Level and became a member of the Primitive Baptist Church of Hawkinsville. Eight children were born to them: Mary Lou (deceased), J. D., Jewel, Alfred, Grady, Terrell (deceased), and Russell.

J. D. married Mattie Sparrow. They live near Pulaski High School, and he is engaged in farming and running a country store. Five children were born to them: Nadine, Billy, Malcolm, Clayton, and Joyce. He is a friend in need and is known for his wit. He takes an active part in community and county activities.

Jim married Ada Churchwell and moved north of Mock Springs and farmed. He was drowned in the Ocmulgee River in 1904 while fishing. He is buried at Wesley Chapel Cemetery. To know him was to love him. Six children were born to them.
Frank married Mancy Brown, and they live four miles south of Mock Springs. He farms and follows carpentry. His wit and humor draw a crowd wherever he stops. They have four children.

Charlie married Lola Brown and lived at the Nelson place for several years, but resides near Eastman now. He is a very generous hearted man. Music, especially singing, is his talent. Four children were born to them.

Eugene married Cora Warren and moved to Dooly County, where he farms. He is much interested in the rural schools and athletics of all kinds. His friends are many. Three children were born to them.

George Albert married Nettie Stevens and settled ten miles south of Hawkinsville. He farms and runs a country store. He is most interested in church and school. He is a deacon of the Antioch Baptist Church. He served on the Board of Education in Pulaski County for eight years and is on the Tax Equalization Board now. He is very generous and admired by many. Five children were born to then: Nina Mae, Woodson (deceased), George Albert, Jr., Tommie Clyde, and Kathleen. Nina Mae married John H. Daniel. Two children were born to them: Woodson and Eleanor Ann (deceased). George married Ethelle Hobbs. Tommie Clyde married Tommy Hunt. They have one child, Nanelle.

Source: Biographies of Pulaski County, Georgia

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