NELSON-PAUL-VANBLOIS in Michigan
We need help in locating surviving relatives of David Blair Nelson and Agnes Jane Paul who married in and around 1854. Both were born in Scotland. Agnes Jane Paul was born October 14, 1827 in Scotland(from family Bible records). According to David Blair Nelson's original Civil war papers he was born in Scotland September 18,1830. He served in the 15th Michigan Infantry Company "F". His occupation when enlisted is shown as "Marianer". We have found the family in the 1870 census for Hesperia, Newaygo County, Michigan. Those listed are -- Agnes Nelson(35) b. Scotland, John Nelson(13) b.Michigan, Jennie Nelson(11) b.Michigan, David(9)b. Michigan,James Nelson(7) b.Michigan, Agnes Nelson(5) b.Michigan, Jessie Nelson(1) b.Michigan. As you can see David Blair Nelson (the father) is not shown. We do not at this time know if he had died or had gone back to sea. Most of the Information we have is from the family Bible records. Son John Nelson later became clerk for for Grand Rapids Treasurer, then later treasure himself. His daughter Mary VanBlois followed him in his profession as treasurer and secretary to the school board in East Grand Rapids. Her Obituary indicates that she had her signature on more county documents than any other Woman for her time (1900's). If there is any one out there that might be able to help, PLEASE contact us. We have a lot of information and photos that we are willing to share.