Homer Augustus Nelson (August 31, 1829 – April 25, 1891) was an American politician and soldier from the state of New York. He served one term in the U.S. House of Representative and was an officer in the Union Army during the first part of the Civil War and a United States congressman during the latter half of the war.

Homer Augustus Nelson
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New York's 12th district
In office
March 4, 1863 – March 3, 1865
Preceded byStephen Baker
Succeeded byJohn Henry Ketcham
New York Secretary of State
In office
January 1, 1868 – December 31, 1871
GovernorReuben Fenton
John T. Hoffman
Preceded byFrancis C. Barlow
Succeeded byG. Hilton Scribner
Member of the New York State Senate
In office
January 1, 1882 – December 31, 1883
Preceded byStephen H. Wendover
Succeeded byThomas Newbold
Personal details
Born(1829-08-31)August 31, 1829
Poughkeepsie, New York, U.S.
DiedApril 25, 1891(1891-04-25) (aged 61)
Poughkeepsie, New York, U.S.
Resting placePoughkeepsie Rural Cemetery
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseHelen Stearns
ProfessionPolitician, lawyer

Early life and education

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Nelson was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, where he was also raised and educated. He studied law and was admitted to the bar, commencing practice in Poughkeepsie.

Judicial career

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He was a judge of Dutchess County, New York, from 1855 to 1862.

Civil War

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At the outbreak of the Civil War, he became colonel of the 159th New York Volunteer Infantry.

Political career

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He left in 1863 when he took his seat in the 38th United States Congress, but was unsuccessful for reelection in 1864.

Following the war, he was a delegate to the New York State Constitutional Convention in 1867 and the same year was elected Secretary of State of New York serving until 1871. He was a member of the New York State Senate (15th D.) in 1882 and 1883; and was appointed to the commission to report a revision of the judiciary article of the New York Constitution in 1890.

Death and burial

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He died on April 25, 1891, in Poughkeepsie and was interred in Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery.

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  • United States Congress. "Homer Augustus Nelson (id: N000034)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
  • Homer Augustus Nelson at Find a Grave
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New York's 12th congressional district

1863–1865
Succeeded by
Political offices
Preceded by New York Secretary of State
1868–1871
Succeeded by
New York State Senate
Preceded by New York State Senate
15th District

1882–1883
Succeeded by