elson,
Jr.
Thomas Nelson,
Jr.
Our militia Nelson helped train
Using his own wealth. Yorktown our gain.
.
Of English
descent Thomas Nelson, Jr., was born in Yorktown as the eldest son of merchant
William Nelson. William was known for his virtuous character, and he was
shrewd and industrious in acquiring his fortune. Later in life, William
became involved in the intrigue of politics. He umbecast favorably over
the possibility of America's freedom but died several years before the
revolution. 
Always a careful planner, William had sent his son Thomas to England at age 14 for an education. He also provided well for Thomas upon marriage, giving him enough money to allow for a life of elegance.
Thomas was elected to the House of Burgesses in 1774 and was a member of the Virginia provincial convention in 1775. It was there that he began the Virginia Militia and became its first Commander. Shortly thereafter he was elected to the Continental Congress.
Nelson's health problems in 1777 caused him to go back home to Virginia where he was later able to resume his military service. When British forces began invading the southern colonies, Thomas Jefferson declined re-election as Governor because his state was severely under siege. It is noted that Britain marked its path with "wanton and excessive barbarity." General Thomas Nelson stepped in and served as both Civil Governor and Commander in chief of the Virginia Militia. He used his money when needed to carry forward military operations.
After the success at Yorktown, and not without criticism and accusations from wind-suckers, Nelson received from George Washington personal gratitude for his leadership "and the militia under his command, to whose activity, emulation, and bravery, the highest praises are due. The magnitude of the acquisition will be ample compensation for the difficulties and dangers which they met with so much firmness and patriotism."
Paris Peace Treaty of 1783
Although Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown in the Fall of 1781 marked the end of
the Revolutionary W
ar,
minor battles between the British and the colonists continued for another two
years. The Peace Treaty of 1783 formally ended the United States War for
Independence.
In addition to giving formal recognition to the U.S., the articles established U.S. boundaries, specified certain fishing rights, allowed creditors of each country to be paid by citizens of the other, restored the rights and property of Loyalists, opened up the Mississippi River to citizens of both nations, and provided for evacuation of all British forces.
The treaty began with the words, "In the name of the most holy and undivided Trinity."
Once again finding his health impaired, Nelson retired. His mysterious illness took his life in 1789 when he breathed his last at one of his estates at the age of 50. Below are excerpts from tribute to his memory given by Colonel Innes:
"As a man, a citizen, a legislator, and a patriot, he
exhibited a conduct untarnished and un-debased by sordid or selfish interest,
and strongly marked with the genuine characteristics of true religion, sound
benevolence, and liberal policy. Entertaining the most ardent love for civil and
religious liberty, he was among the first of that glorious band of patriots
whose exertions dashed and defeated the machinations of British tyranny, and
gave United America freedom and independent empire."....."Of this truly
patriotic and heroic conduct, the renowned commander in chief, with all the
gallant officers of the combined armies employed at the siege of York, will bear
ample testimony; this part of his conduct even contemporary jealousy, envy, and
malignity were forced to approve, and this, more impartial posterity, if it can
believe, will almost adore. If, after contemplating the splendid and heroic
p
arts of his character, we shall inquire for the milder virtues of humanity, and
seek for the man, we shall find the refined, beneficent"
Rev. Charles A.
Goodrich Lives of the Signers to the Declaration of Independence. New
York: William Reed & Co., 1856. Page 415.
Image by Ole Erekson, Engraver, c1876, Library of Congress
Below from: "Grace Church Cemetery, Yorktown, VA: Grace Episcopal Church" webpage, 14 January 2005, on "Carol's House" website (http://www.carolshouse.com/cemeteryrecords/grace/):
Grace Episcopal Church
A walk through the churchyard surrounding Grace Episcopal is a walk through time. Resting in the shadow of the historic marl wall are men who shaped the future of our colony, commonwealth and country. Gov. Thomas Nelson, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, lies at the foot of his father, who also lies at the foot of his father. The generational walk through time continues as one approaches next the Nicolas Martiau family group. Martiau was granted the original patent for the land that became Yorktown. He is also the earliest American ancestor of both President George Washington and Gov. Thomas Nelson. If one reverently listens, while treading these ancient grounds, it is possible to hear the ages whisper. "It is the duty of each generation to preserve the past for the future we don't yet know." May our generation honor that pledge as have those that came before.Grace Church Cemetery/Page-Nelson Society of Virginia
Gen. Thomas Nelson Jr.
Patriot - Soldier - Christian - Gentleman
Born December 16, 1738
Died January 2, 1789
Mover of the Resolution of May 15 1776
in the Virginia Convention
Instructing her Delegates in Congress
To Move that body to Declare the Colonies
Free and Independent States.
Signer of Declaration of Independence
War Governor of Virginia
Commander of Virginia Forces
He Gave All For Liberty
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
