John P. Nelson, who has been actively engaged in business as proprietor of a meat market in Amsterdam during the past four decades, has been a member of the well known firm of Benton & Nelson since 1911. He was born in Denmark, on the 26th of April, 1866, his parents being Jens Christian and Marianna Nelson, also natives of that country. His education was acquired in the rural schools of Denmark, which land he left in 1881, when a youth of fifteen years, to come to the United States, making his way direct to Amsterdam, New York. He earned his livelihood by farm work and also as an employe in the broom shops until 1884, when he became associated with his brother Christian in the conduct of a meat market. They continued in the business with marked success for a period of twenty-six years, or until 1910, when they disposed of their interests with the intention of retiring permanently. Not content in idleness, however, John P. Nelson again purchased the meat market in 1911 as a partner of H. A. Benton, with whom he has since remained in business under the firm name of Benton & Nelson. The extensive patronage accorded them is indeed well deserved, for their establishment is modern and up-to-date in every particular. Mr. Nelson also serves as vice president of the Henry C. Grieme Company, Incorporated, which is the largest lumber concern in Amsterdam.
Mr. Nelson has been twice married. In 1891 he wedded Marie C. Grieme, daughter of Henry C. Grieme of Amsterdam. She departed this life in 1892, leaving a daughter, Violet Marie, who is now the wife of Ralph Robertson of Amsterdam and the mother of one son, David Robertson. Mr. Nelson afterward married Bertha Augusta Grieme, sister of his first wife, and they have become the parents of three children, namely: Helen B., the wife of Durwood S. De Groff of Amsterdam; Katherine B.; and John C.
Politically Mr. Nelson is a stanch republican but he has never sought nor desired office as a reward for his party fealty. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and with the Masons, belonging to Artisan Lodge, F. & A. M.; Amsterdam Chapter, R. A. M.; Johnstown Council, R. & S. M.; Holy Cross Commandery, K. T., of Gloversville; and Oriental Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Troy, New York. In his home community he enjoys high standing as a substantial business man, a public-spirited, enterprising citizen and a loyal friend.