Biography

Pvt. Jacob Nelson was born Dec. 25 1840 in Hancock Co. TN. He was the son of George Nelson and Nancy Tussey. The family moved to Floyd Co., KY., around 1851. Jacob married Barbara Ellen Wadkins, Feb. 5 1859 at Middle Creek, Floyd Co., they raised a family of nine children. In 1869 the couple along with Jacob's parents moved to Greenup Co. Ky.

Pvt. Jacob Nelson served 3 years in the Civil War, enlisted Nov. 18, 1862, at Peach Orchard, Lawrence Co. Ky., age given as 22 , assigned to Co. F, 39th KY. Infantry, mustered out with his company Sept. 15 1865 at Louisville, KY., listed as 26 years of age. Soldier had to be escorted home due to partial loss of his eyesight, his escort was Pvt. Stephen Patton also of the 39th KY.

Jacob was awarded a pension April 8 1888, issued for "Disease of the Eyes" In the pension file a statement given by Pvt. Stephen Patton dated Oct. 15 1887 reads. " In 1863 we were in Lawrence Co.(KY). We were there a month in cold weather, had no tents, had log fires, had no blankets, no clothing nor anything else, we were gristly exposed and we suffered greatly."

After the death of his wife Barbara, unable to care for himself due to loss of his sight Jacob lived with his son Adam Nelson. At the time of his death his property was listed as one cow, one calf, and $50. Jacob Nelson died Jan. 23 1916 at Shells Fork "aka" Nonchalanta, Greenup Co., Ky. He and Barbara Wadkins Nelson are buried in Shells Fork Cemetery, R#2 Greenup Co., KY.

Pvt. Jacob (Jake) Nelson was my Great Grandfather.