Strawberries, Cotton & Sugarcane

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 m...

On this Veterans Day I reflect on the contributions my ancestors have made to this Nation. The earliest recording of an ancestor's military contribution dates back to the Civil War. Albert Abram Nelson , my Great-Grandfather, born in 1895, fought in World War I. Oral history has estimated his age of enlistment to be as young as 17 years old. For young Albert this journey, from Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana to Europe, likely had a huge impact on the course his life would take. Upon returning from the war he was educated at Leland College and served the Parish as a Minister. He was very instrumental in the establishment of New Roads High School, the first school for African Americans in the Parish. This contribution has impacted Pointe Coupee Parish for many generations. Of the sons of Albert and Mariah Nelson only one, Joel Nelson followed in his father's military footstep and is now a Minister in Virginia. Melbourne G. Dillon , my paternal grandfather and his brothers Henry A...