Homer Augustus Nelson

Homer Augustus Nelson (August 31, 1829 – April 25, 1891) was an American politician, lawyer, and soldier from the state of New York who served as a Democratic Representative in the United States Congress from 1863 to 1865. He was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, where he was also raised and educated. After completing his early schooling in his native city, he studied law, was admitted to the bar, and commenced legal practice in Poughkeepsie, establishing himself in the profession before entering public office.

Nelson’s early public career began in the judiciary. He served as a judge of Dutchess County, New York, from 1855 to 1862, presiding over local legal matters during a period of growing national tension in the years leading up to the Civil War. His judicial service in Dutchess County helped to solidify his standing in the community and within the Democratic Party, and it provided him with experience in public administration and the application of state law.

With the outbreak of the Civil War, Nelson entered military service on the Union side. He became colonel of the 159th New York Volunteer Infantry, taking command of the regiment during the first part of the conflict. His role as an officer in the Union Army reflected his commitment to the Union cause at a time when the nation was divided by war. He remained in military service until his election to Congress required his return to civilian duties.

Nelson was elected as a Democrat to the Thirty-eighth Congress and served as a Representative from New York in the United States House of Representatives from March 4, 1863, to March 3, 1865. His service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history, encompassing the middle years of the Civil War. As a member of the House of Representatives, he participated in the legislative process, represented the interests of his New York constituents, and contributed to national deliberations during the latter half of the war. He left his military command in 1863 when he took his seat in the 38th United States Congress. Nelson was unsuccessful in his bid for reelection in 1864, bringing his congressional career to a close after one term in office.

Following his service in Congress, Nelson remained active in New York state politics and public affairs. In 1867 he served as a delegate to the New York State Constitutional Convention, participating in efforts to revise and update the state’s fundamental law in the postwar era. That same year he was elected Secretary of State of New York, a statewide executive office in which he served from 1867 until 1871, overseeing various administrative and record-keeping functions of the state government.

Nelson continued his political career in the state legislature. He was a member of the New York State Senate, representing the 15th District, in 1882 and 1883. In this role, he took part in the legislative work of the upper chamber of the state legislature, contributing to the development of state policy and law during the early 1880s. Later, in 1890, he was appointed to the commission to report a revision of the judiciary article of the New York Constitution, drawing on his long experience as a lawyer, judge, and legislator to help shape proposed reforms to the state’s judicial framework.

Homer Augustus Nelson died on April 25, 1891, in Poughkeepsie, New York, the city where he had been born, educated, and spent much of his professional life. He was interred in Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery. His career encompassed service as a county judge, Union Army officer, United States congressman during the Civil War, statewide executive officer, and state senator, marking him as a significant figure in nineteenth-century New York public life.