What can I say about the Nelson Family that hasn't already been said? How do we continue such a rich legacy of God, Family and Service? One of my favorite qoutes of our patriach, Albert Abram Nelson, sums it all up. "Keep your hand on the plow and keep your eye on the lightpost in heaven".
Albert Nelson
Albert Abram Nelson was born July 23, 1895 in Brooks, Louisiana. I'm sure it was hot that day. His parents, August and Josephine, likely worked the field in the sweltering Louisiana heat. August Nelson, a lifeling resident of Pointe Coupee Parish, was born in the 1860's to William and Mary Nelson. Josephine St. Louis Nelson was born in the 1870's to Oscar St. Louis and Marie Rose Paul. Albert had 7 siblings, Lula "Eliska"(a common creole name), George, Alexander , August "Bonchamp", Rose, Viola and Vernita. Albert served in WWI and was drafted at a young age, family lore says it was around age 14, but historical accounts would make him closer to 22. The picture below shows Albert in Europe during the war. Prior to the war, he was a farm hand on Morrison Plantation. When Albert returned from active duty he immersed himself in knowledge and embraced a call to ministry. He attended Leland College in Baker, Louisiana. My grandmother cherishes his writings and books and holds them dear to her heart. She said, " he was a scholar" and his library proves it. Albert was not only a Pastor, but a community leader that made significant strides to help establish the first black high school in the Parish, New Roads High.
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| Rev. Albert Abram Nelson, right Son of August and Josephine Nelson WWI Veteran Graduate of Leland College Scholar and Pioneer in Education Major contributor to the establishment of New Roads High School |
Mariah Pierson Nelson
Mariah was such a beautiful woman, inside and out. She was the daughter of Elenora "Nora" Jones Albert and Edward Pierson. Nora was the daughter of Mariah Irvine and Joseph Albert. Nora had 6 siblings, Lena, Emma, Eli, Julua, Annette, and Martha. One memorable story about Nora that my grandmother always recalls is when she and her cousin Elsie would go to the "island" to help her with household duties. She said they would have to cross False River in a row boat and each time it would "scare me to death", she said. Not much is known about Nora, who died in August of 1943 in Ventress, LA.
Mariah cherished her role as a dutiful wife and mother. She nurtured her children with a pleasant demeanor. She was a quiet, soft spoken woman and loved to sing. Mariah, the only child of Nora, passed in 1955.
Mariah cherished her role as a dutiful wife and mother. She nurtured her children with a pleasant demeanor. She was a quiet, soft spoken woman and loved to sing. Mariah, the only child of Nora, passed in 1955.
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| Mariah Pierson Nelson Wife of Albert Nelson Daughter of Elnora Jones and Edward Pierson |
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| Mariah Nelson and children Boydia, Joel, Roenia and Charles |
The Children of Albert and Mariah
Edward C. Nelson
Edward, the oldest son of Albert and Mariah, was born September 15, 1924 in New Roads, LA. He received his primary education in Pointe Coupee Parish. Because of the lack of secondary education in the parish for blacks, he was sent to Plaquemine and resided with Albert's brother, August Jr. and wife Ida, while attending Iberville High School. After completing high school in 1943, young Edward attended Alabama State University and received a Bachelor's degree. While attending Alabama State he met the lovely Elaine Ray. The two married in 1950 and settled in New Roads, LA. The couple gave birth to Brenda, Baronne and Edwin( who died at birth). Edward went onto earn a Master's degree from Southern University in 1959. He served as Assistant Principal of New Roads High 1953-1959, Principal of Labarre Elementary 1959-1963, and Principal of Rosenwald High School 1963-1982. Edward's dicipline and tremendous contribution to Pointe Coupee Parish in the field of education has yielded generations of successful men and women.
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| Mr. E.C. Nelson Son of Rev. Albert Abram Nelson and Mariah Pierson Nelson Graduate of Alabama State University and Southern University Former Principal of Rosenwald High School |
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| Rosemary Nelson Johnson Daughter of Albert and Mariah Nelson Graduate of Southern University Retired Educator |
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| Charles Lee Nelson |
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| Roenia Nelson Grimes, RD Daughter of Albert and Mariah Nelson Graduate of Southern University and University of Hawaii |
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| Dr.Joel Nelson Son of Albert and Mariah Nelson |
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| Boydia James Nelson Youngest son of Albert and Mariah Nelson |
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| The Nelson Family 2012 |
Excellent article
ReplyDeleteThanks Ernest. It's a work in progress.
ReplyDeleteTribute to my cousins,especially to you Ed. We were a good Administrative Team for our beloved
ReplyDeleteNrw Roads-Rosenwald High.
Love, Dr. Jeannette Richard Derosin,PhD