Benton Co., AR - Biographies - John A. Nelson

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John A. Nelson, a prominent farmer of Hico Township, was born in 
Spartanburgh County, S. C., and is the son of James and Annie 
(Cantrell) Nelson. The mother was born in Spartanburgh County, S. C., 
and was the daughter of John and Sallie Cantrell. The father was born 
in the same State, and was of Virginian parentage, a son of John and 
Creecy Nelson. He moved to Buncombe County, now Henderson County, N. 
C., at an early date, remained there for thirteen years, and then 
moved to Lumpkin County, Ga., where he died in 1845. He had followed 
agricultural pursuits all his life. The mother was born in South 
Carolina, and died in Georgia in 1864, her death being caused by 
fright and excitement into which she was thrown by the battle of 
Altoona Pass. she being on a visit to her sister who lived there. Of 
the eight children born to this union, six grew to maturity, but all 
are now deceased with the exception of John A. and a sister. The 
former was reared on farms in North Carolina and Georgia, and remained 
with his mother until grown. He then spent three years mining in 
California, was reasonably successful and returned to his home, and on 
October 15, 1854, he married Miss Turzah A. Lott, of Forsyth County, 
Ga., born August 17. 1837, and the daughter of Judge John G. Lott, a 
prominent citizen of Forsyth County, Ga. To Mr. and Mrs. Nelson were 
born eleven children: Charles H., James L., John P., Oscar E., Ella E. 
(deceased). Augusta L. (deceased), Harlow (deceased), Alice 
(deceased), Emma A., Lula S. and Maggie Lee. After marriage Mr. Nelson 
farmed until the breaking out of the late war, when he enlisted in the 
Confederate army, and was in service three years in [p.874] Wheeler's 
Cavalry. He served first as a private, and was afterward made first 
lieutenant of Company F, of Burke's battalion. After the war he farmed 
in Georgia until 1866, when he moved to Washington County. Ark., where 
he remained two years. He then resided near Bentonville one year, and 
about 1869 he moved to his present property, which is situated five 
miles northeast of Siloam Springs, and which consists of 160 acres, 
about eighty under cultivation. Mrs. Nelson died November 30, 1877, 
and was a consistent member of the Missionary Baptist Church. April 
14, 1887. Mr. Nelson took for his second wife Mrs. Annis A Overton, of 
Washington County, and the daughter of R. M. Huffmaster, an old 
citizen of Washington County, Ark. He and wife are members of the 
Missionary Baptist Church, and are excellent citizens. Mr. Nelson has 
been a Democrat all his life, and takes great interest in public 
affairs.