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The above gentleman, who is editor of the most influential paper published in Texas, was born at Key West, Fla., June 16, 1842. He obtained his education in the schools of Key West, Fla. He moved to Atlanta in 1850, and to Texas in 1859, where he has since resided.

Settling in Galveston in 1866, he went into business, and here it was that his active mind and great energy soon brought him conspicuously before his own people, and the public generally, on the question of Reconstruction. His life has been one of prominence in politics, as a speaker and writer.

Mr. Nelson has held important positions in political life, such as justice of peace and notary public for Galveston; postmaster at Highland Station, in Galveston County; and inspector of customs for the district of Galveston. He was prominently mentioned as a Republican candidate for Congress in 1871, and ran on an independent ticket for Congress in 1884.

Mr. Nelson is a public speaker of wide reputation, and a writer of well-earned repute. He is a race man every inch. Concerning his life in this respect, Flake's Bulletin says of him: "His highest ambition is the elevation of his race from their former despondency and degradation, to high attainments in education and the proper discharge of their duties of citizenship in this great and free republic." He was several times delegate to the state and national conventions of his party.

His experience in journalism has been long and effective. In 1873, he began the publication of The Weekly Spectator, being sole proprietor and editor. The Spectator must have wielded considerable influence. Ex-Gov. E. J. Dana speaks of it as a leading Republican paper in the state.