Essex

NELSON, Wilmot G.

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, pp 284-285 
(portrait p 285)

Wilmot G. NELSON, of Norton's Mills [Essex County, Vermont], was born 09 May 
1850 in Alna [Lincoln County], Maine, son of Nathaniel and Eliza (GREENLEAF) 
NELSON. His education was derived from a course of study at the common 
schools, at the completion of which he entered his father's shop to learn the 
tanner's trade and engaged in this calling until he arrived at his majority, 
when he entered the employ of the Norton Mills Company, as clerk. When the 
company failed in 1874, Mr. NELSON went to Island Pond [Essex County, 
Vermont], but soon returned and rented a store, in which he carried on the 
principal retail general trade of the place. In 1884 he entered as senior 
partner the firm of A. McLean & Company. This concern five years after sold 
their interest to A. M. Stetson & Company, by whom Mr. NELSON was engaged as 
foreman of the establishment.

When the town of Norton was organized in 1885, Mr. NELSON acted as moderator 
and first selectman, which office he held for three consecutive terms; has 
also been postmaster for fifteen years and deputy sheriff for twelve years. 
His business engagements have been so pressing and important that he has 
avoided office. He is an outspoken Republican and his influence can be seen 
in the constantly increasing vote of that party in the town, which 
notwithstanding the large foreign element, gave a majority for Harrison in 
1892. He has taken several degrees of the blue lodge, working with Island 
Pond Lodge No. 44, and is also a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the lodge 
of Odd Fellows in that town. On 07 August 1874 in Boston [Suffolk County, 
Massachusetts] Mr. [Wilmot G.] NELSON married Cora A., daughter of William 
and Margaret LIBBEY of East Machias [Washington County], Maine. Four 
children have been the fruit of their union: Frank M. (deceased), Gertrude 
E., Edward J., and Edith M.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly