Rensselaer Nelson

Rensselaer Russell Nelson (May 12, 1826 – October 15, 1904) was a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. He was the son of United States Supreme Court Justice Samuel Nelson.

Education and career

Born on May 12, 1826, in Cooperstown, New York, Nelson attended Hartwick Seminary, then graduated from Yale University in 1846 and read law with James R. Whiting of New York City in 1849. He entered private practice in Buffalo, New York from 1849 to 1850. He was county attorney of Douglas County, Wisconsin from 1853 to 1855. He was an associate justice of the Supreme Court of Minnesota Territory from 1857 to 1858. His service terminated on May 16, 1896, due to his retirement, by when he was the last federal judge in active service to have been appointed by President Buchanan. His retirement, although expected due to his age and length of service, was still surprising considering: He died on October 15, 1904, in Saint Paul.

Family

Nelson was the fourth child of United States Supreme Court Justice Samuel Nelson and Catharine Ann Russell, his father's second wife. On November 2, 1858, Nelson was married to Mrs. Emma Fuller (née Beebee) Wright (1832–1886). They had two children.