Clarence N. Nelson

 

Clarence N. Nelson ¯ It is universally conceded by those conversant with the facts that Sacramento has a trade with the outside world quite unusual for a city of her population, and figures can readily be given in support of this statement; yet it is true that the total amount is materially swelled by including the business of some houses generally overlooked in estimates of this kind. The establishment of Clarence N.  Nelson, at 327 K street, is a case in point. One might pass it every day in the year and yet have no idea of its importance. Yet from the most remote points of the Pacific Coast orders are daily coming to Mr. Nelson for large bills of goods, the amounts of which would be surprising to the uninitiated. He manufactures and handles nothing but saddles and their belongings, principally for stockmen’s use, and has the only exclusive saddlery house on the coast, which has been built up entirely by his own energetic efforts. As Mr. Nelson is the representative of one of the old families of the city, a brief personal sketch of himself and family has a fitting place in the connection. He is a native of New Haven, Connecticut, born January 9, 1848, and son of A. T. and Harriet (Robinson) Nelson. A. T. Nelson was born at Johnsburgh, New York, and came of an old family of the Empire State. He was reared at Schaghticoke, and after his marriage at Glens Falls, went to Memphis, Tennessee, thence to Norwich, Connecticut, and thence to New Haven. In 1852 he came to California via Nicaragua, but had the misfortune to be a passenger on a steamer that was wrecked, thus necessitating a stay on the Isthmus that extended six months, and the journey to San Francisco being eventually made on a sailing vessel. He came at once to Sacramento, and opened two establishments in the harness-making line, one on the corner of Fourth and K, and the other on J, between Sixth and Seventh. The fire of 1852 reduced both places to ashes. The fire of 1854 destroyed a building he had just constructed at 327 K street (present number). He rebuilt soon afterward, however, and thereafter carried on business at that location. His family came out to join him in 1855, leaving New York on the 2d of February, on the steamer North Star, crossing the Isthmus of Panama on mules and by team, and coming to San Francisco on the steamer George Law, which was afterward destroyed by fire, its name having been changed to Central America. A. T. Nelson was an active business man till the time of his death, which occurred December 23, 1876. He was a pronounced Republican politically, and held posts of honor and trust in this city. He contracted pneumonia (his fatal illness) while serving as chairman of the building committee of the Board of Education, at the time of the construction of the High School. He was at the same time superintendent of the city cemeteries. He was a prominent and active member of the Masonic order, and for seven years was Master of Tehama Lodge. He had also been presiding officer of Sacramento Council, and a member of Sacramento Commandery and Knight Templar. A beautiful gold medal, the gift of his lodge, is now in the hands of his son, Clarence N. It bears the following inscription: “Presented to P. M. A. T. Nelson, by members of Tehama Lodge, No. 3, A. F. & A. M., for faithful service as W. M. of said lodge for Masonic years of 5856, 5857 and 5858.” He had a legion of friends, and his death was universally regretted. Clarence N. Nelson, whose name heads this article, was but a child when his family came to Sacramento, and he received his education in the public schools of this city and in a commercial college. He commenced the saddle and harness-making trade with his father in 1865, and in April, 1875, became a partner in the business, buying, out the interest of J. P. Mason in the firm, which then became A. T. Nelson & Son. He succeeded to the entire business after his father’s death. He sold out the harness business in 1886, for the purpose of handling saddles exclusively. Mr. Nelson was married at Santa Clara, to Miss Maggie Prior, a native of New York, who came to California in 1862. They have three children, viz.: Hattie, Lillian, and Alton P., all of whom are completing their education at the University of the Pacific, San Jose. Mr. Nelson is serving his second term as Master of Tehama Lodge, A. F. & A. M. He is a member of Sacramento Chapter, No. 3, and of Sacramento Council, also of Capital Lodge, I. O. O. F. He is an active and influential Republican. Mr. Nelson is an enterprising man, and certainly deserves credit for his success in adding another to the list of Sacramento industries.

Transcribed by Marla Fitzsimmons.