Homer Augustus Nelson

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.

Early life and education 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 He was a judge of Dutchess County, New York, from 1855 to 1862.

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

Political career Nelson left in 1863 when he took his seat in the 38th United States Congress, but was unsuccessful for reelection in 1864. He was one of 14 House Democrats to vote in favor of the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

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