Re: Arthur William Nelson / 1897
-
In reply to:
Arthur William Nelson / 1897
Gerald Stephenson 10/10/04
I looked in the Oregon Death Index (1903-2003) for a Kenneth E. Nelson, but couldn't find a listing for him.
The 1930 Oregon Census, Multnomah County, Portland, ED #26-195, sheet 9A, page 180, showed: Kenneth as age 2, born in Oregon; Roy as age 5, born in Oregon; Arthur W. Nelson (their father) as age 33, born in Washington, widowed, listed as an Automobile worker/mechanic. Arthur was living with his wife's parents, Morris R. Merritt (age 57, born in Ill) and his wife, Katie Merritt (age 48, born in Colo). Arthur was listed as Son-in-Law and the two boys were listed a grandsons. Since Arthur was widowed at age 33, he probably got married again. Sometimes couples from Portland, Oregon would go over to Vancouver, Clark County, Washington to get married. You might want to check there for a possible 2nd marriage for Arthur W. Nelson.
Even though you said Kenneth's brother, Roy, had a last known address in Omaha, Nebraska, I checked the Oregon Death Index and found a listing which may be of interest.
Roy Arthur NELSON, died 23 Dec. 1991 in Multnomah County, Certificate #91-24450, born 25 Mar. 1925. There was a death notice for this person listing the "Gateway Little Chapel of the Chimes" as handling the remains. There was also an obituary in the Oregonian newspaper, Thursday, 26 Dec. 1991, page C7, Col. 2. I believe this Roy may be related to you only because of the year of birth being 1925, his full name being the same as you listed, and one of his daughters was listed as Lois STEPHENSON. (Would Lois be related to you?) The obituary listed another daughter, Carol Arthur, and two sons, Philip and Robert, and eight grandchildren. All of Roy's children were listed as living in Portland. Roy's obituary also stated he was a Merchant Marine "veteran of World War II." Roy had been a driver for the disabled until he retired in 1987. A memorial service for Roy was held at the Gateway Baptist Church. "Disposition will be by cremation."
The Gateway Little Chapel of the Chimes may have a record of a family contact for Roy's family. Also, if the family were members of the Gateway Baptist Church, someone at the church may be able to put one of Roy's family in touch with you. The current Portland Metro area phone book has several listings for both Philip Nelson and Robert Nelson. Have you checked Nebraska, or Washington for Kenneth E. Nelson?
Is it possible Kenneth Nelson was also a veteran of WWII? There may be information on military records, possibly at the Oregon Archives in Salem or on microfilm in one of the genealogy societies for both Roy and Kenneth. Since Arthur W Nelson was of the age to be included in the draft for WWI, I checked the Index to the Oregon WWI Draft Card Registration for Arthur. There were a few which may have been him, but I wasn't able to look at the film of the actual cards. If none of these was your Arthur, he may be listed among the Draft Registration cards in the State of Washington, since he was born there. If he wasn't in the "Draft Registration" he may have enlisted and there may be military records on him. He may be buried in one of the military cemeteries if he was a vet.
The Oregon Marriage Index, 1946-1955, listed 2 marriages for someone named Roy Nelson, but didn't find anything for your Kenneth:
NELSON, Roy - to - WALTER, Mary, 16 Aug. 1947, Multnomah County, #8403.
NELSON, Roy - to - SMITH, Doree, 14 Jun. 1946, Marion County, #13393.
(Research note: the available Oregon Marriage Index doesn't list marriages for 1925-1945 on microfilm.)
The Oregon Death Index listed the following:
NELSON, Gladys, died 9 June 1929, in Portland, Cert. #1817.
NELSON, Arthur W., Lane County, 26 Dec 1965, age 78, Cert. #16968, Spouse: Jessie.
(Research Note: This Gladys and Arthur "may" be related to you. Jessie may have been Arthur's 2nd wife since he was a widower at age 33.)
Sorry I couldn't find anything else, but maybe one of Roy's survivors has some answers for you, if in fact you are related to him.