Oscar Nelson

Oscar Nelson (April 22, 1874 – April 2, 1951) was a politician and union leader who served as Illinois treasurer Illinois auditor of public accounts. He also served as the interim president of the Building Service Employees International Union, the precursor of the Service Employees International Union, in 1927.

Early life and early career Nelson was born in Sweden. He emigrated to the United States and got a job as a delivery boy. He held employment as a grocery clerk, foundry worker and railway worker, but finally went into the banking industry and eventually became president of the Geneva State Bank and head of the Kane Co. Bankers' Association.

Tenures as state treasurer (1923–1925) and state auditor (1925–1933) Nelson was elected state treasurer in 1922. Nelson resigned due to health concerns on September 3, 1927. Jerry Horan, a BSEIU organizer whose primary job was to act as Quesse's chauffeur, was elected Nelson's successor on September 6, 1927.

Later career A Republican, Nelson was appointed a member of the Republican National Committee's platform drafting panel in 1937.

Nelson retired from electoral politics in 1932, but continued to serve served in a number of appointed capacities (most notably on a factory conversion commission after World War II). He was also president and owner of the Unity Oil & Gas Corporation.

Death Oscar Nelson died (most probably of a heart attack) in his home in Geneva, Illinois in 1951.