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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Montgomery County, Arkansas published by Southern Publishing Company in 1891.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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John S. Nelson, county and circuit clerk of Montgomery County, Ark., was born in this county March 15, 1858, to Archibald and Nancy (Strawn) Nelson, the former born in Tennessee and the latter in Mississippi. They came to Arkansas in 1852 and 1844 respectively, their marriage taking place in this State. The father first settled at Caddo Gap, but for some time past has been a resident of Arkadelphia. Although he is a farmer and machinist by occupation, considerable of his time and attention have been given to operating a mill. Since 1868 he has been a member of the Missionary Baptist Church and has been a minister of the same since 1873, his wife being a member of this church also. She is a daughter of Fielding Strawn, who built the Caddo Gap mill, which is known throughout the State. He was one of the county’s first and most prominent judges, and was a man possessing more than ordinary executive ability. To Mr. and Mrs. Nelson ten children were born, of whom John S. was the second child. His education was acquired in this county and Judson Academy in White County, and also in the University at Fayetteville during 1879-80. On account of ill health he did not graduate, but while in that institution he made the most of his opportunities and was considered one of the most faithful students in the university. He began teaching school at the age of nineteen years and in this way paid his tuition. In 1882 he began farming in this county and is now the owner of an excellent farm from which he derives a paying yearly income. This place is one of the neatest and best kept in the county, the buildings, fences, etc., being in excellent condition. From 1882 to 1886 he served in the capacity of justice of the peace, and in 1890 he was elected to his present position as clerk of the circuit and county courts, and entered upon his duties October 30. In 1882 he was married to Miss Alice Johnson, of this county, and three children have blessed their union: William F., Jesse L. and Ida May. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson belong to the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Nelson in his race for clerk had three opponents for the nomination on the Democratic ticket, but received the nomination by a good majority. He has always been very thorough in everything he has undertaken, and gives every promise of making an ideal public officer.

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This family biography is one of 37 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Montgomery County, Arkansas published in 1891.  For the complete description, click here: Montgomery County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

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