Charles Courtney Nelson resided near Saratoga Springs, New York. He was a mechanic and spent his substance and a great amount of time trying to discover "perpetual motion." This idea gained such control of him that he sacrificed everything in his vain endeavor. He married Mary Dunham and had five children:
- Oscar, of whom further;
- Mary Elizabeth, married James Seymour, child,
- Jane, married Henry Pierson Hammond;
- Sarah;
- Isabella;
- Almeda, married James Bartley; children: Blanche, Florence and James (2).
(II) Oscar, eldest child and only son of Charles Courtney and Mary (Dunham) Nelson, was born in Saratoga, New York, 1835, died November 7, 1903. He was educated in the public schools, and as a boy showed a remarkable business ability. He was an employer of other boys whom he had out selling popcorn, etc., and had them stationed at the different mineral springs dipping up water for the visitors, and his profits and earnings all went in the machine for producing perpetual motion, his father's vain ambition. At the age of fourteen years he left home and went to Albany, New York, where he obtained a position with P. V. Fort, a wholesale grocer. He remained many years with Mr. Fort, who became his firm and lifelong friend. He was a valuable man in the business and was frequently promoted. Mr. Fort became the owner of a hotel in New York City and placed Mr. Nelson in charge as manager. He made a successful hotel man, remaining until the property changed hands. He then engaged in mercantile business in Amsterdam, New York, later becoming a manufacturer of knit goods in that city. In 1890 he settled in Cobleskill, New York; where he practically retired from business activities. He was interested in village enterprises, and at his death in 1903 was vice-president of the Farmers' and Merchants' National Bank. He was a man of indomitable will, great energy and unusual business ability. He succeeded in his enterprises and brought prosperity to those connected with him. He was big hearted and liberal, making many friends and retaining them. He was a member of the Lutheran church and held the various official positions. He was not bound by creed and when at Amsterdam was active in raising funds and building the large Methodist church there. He was a Republican but took little part in public affairs. He married (first) Minerva Neff, and had a daughter Sarah R., who married John Charles Miller. Children: Minerva Gladys and Raymond C. He married (second) July 22, 1884, Cora Angle, of whom further. Child,
- Susan A., born July 25, 1885; married, February 27, 1905, William L. C. Todd, born July 30, 1880, died June 10, 1910; children:
- Robert Nelson, born November 15, 1906;
- Charles Falconer, May 1, 1908.
Cora (Angle) Nelson is a daughter of Marcus Angle and a granddaughter of William Angle, born 1797, died October 23, 1875, married Nancy Borst, born 1797, died December 16, 1887. Marcus Angle, born 1825, died March 8, 1909; married, September 16, 1856; Susan, daughter of George and Mary (Shear) Tator. Children of Marcus and Susan Angle:
- Cora, married Oscar Nelson;
- William George, born July 10, 1872, married Lena Mack; child,
- William George (2), born July 7, 1910.
Mrs. Cora Nelson survives her husband, a resident of Cobleskill, New York.