James Alexander Nelson

1893

James A. Nelson was born September 28, 1893 in Camden, South Carolina as son of James Nelson and Cynthia Isabelle Nelson.

1920 Census Information:

According to the United States census reported on January 20, 1920, James A Nelson (26), rented a home in Wateree Township, Kershaw County, South Carolina with his wife, Allie Nelson (25), and their children; Agnes Nelson (2) and Cynthia Nelson (1 month), his mother; Isabelle Nelson (57) and his sister, Maud Nelson (20). All family members were reported to have been born in South Carolina. James A Nelson was a log cutter for the lumber industry and Isabelle Nelson was a midwife in the community.

1930 Census Information:

According to the United States census reported on April 8, 1930, James A Nelson Sr. (32) rented a home in Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina with his wife, Allie Nelson (32), and their children; Agnes Nelson (13), Cyinthery Nelson (10), James A Nelson Jr (7), Joseph Nelson (5) and Sarah Nelson (3). All family members were reported to have been born in South Carolina. James A Nelson Sr. was a painter of houses.

1931

On January 2, 1931, J. A. Nelson was listed as the living husband in the obituary of Mrs. Sarah Allie Nelson.

Columbia Man Found Dead on Roadside; Hit-and-Run Driver Blamed

A widespread search was being conducted early Monday afternoon by the county and city police for the driver of an automobile which struck James A. Nelson, 38, Columbia carpenter and painter of 2404 Main Street, who was found dead on Colonial drive near the State hospital early Sunday night. Circumstances indicated, officers said, that he was a victim of a hit-and-run driver.

While several valuable clues were being followed by police, no arrest have been made. Corner W. A. McCain, who has impaneled a jury for an inquest, the dates for which has not been decided, said sufficient information has not been obtained to warrant an arrest.

Body Dragged.

Chief William H. Rawlinson said early Monday that there are suspects but none for whom arrest warrants have been issued.

His skull fractured, the body of Mr. Nelson was discovered on the roadside by W. R. Humphries, Jr., 292 Southwood road about 8 o’clock. A few minutes earlier when last seen alive, Mr. Nelson left the home of R. E. Bishop, 1815 Kirkland avenue, ostensibly to walk to Columbia.

The tragedy occurred at the foot of an incline about one-quarter mile beyond the city limits. Evidence from a trail of blood spots indicated that the body had been dragged about 20 feet along the highway. Mr. Nelson was a widower and had lived in Columbia six years.

Funeral Services.

He is survived by two sons, James Nelson and Joseph Nelson, both of Columbia; three daughters, Agnes Nelson, Cynthia Nelson and Sarah Nelson, all of Columbia; his mother, Mrs. James Nelson of Columbia; two brothers, N. C. Nelson of Columbia and J. C. Nelson of Lugoff and one sister, Miss Maude Nelson.

Mr. Nelson was a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints. Funeral services will be held from the Union Baptist church of Blaney, Tuesday morning at 11 o’clock, conducted by the Rev. Mr. Neil, elder of the Church of Latter Day Saints. Interment will take place in the Union Baptist churchyard.

Pallbearers were: L. T. Ghrett, J. T. Lee, C. E. Cook, M. A. Cook, William Strange, and M. S. Scott.