Cyrus T. Nelson, a resident farmer of Valley Grove, first came to Walla Walla county in 1861. His life experiences cover a long period of mining in Idaho, but since 1888 he has resided continuously at his present place of residence, which is one of the finest farms in the valley. While he ranks with the leading agriculturists of this section of the state, he has also been prominent in public affairs and has been called upon to represent his district in the state legislature. He was born in Ohio, August 9, 1839, his parents being William and Rebecca (Stands) Nelson, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. Removing westward, they became residents of Ohio at an early period in the development of that state and there built a log cabin, living in true pioneer style. Later they became residents of Indiana, where both the father and mother passed away. Only two of their ten children are now living.
Cyrus T. Nelson was reared and educated in Ohio and in 1859 started for California. He spent two years as a miner in that state and in 1861 he came to Walla Walla county, Washington, but in the fall of the same year proceeded onward to Idaho, where he engaged in mining until 1888. In that year he returned to Walla Walla county and took up his abode upon his present farm, which he had purchased in 1866. He has developed it into one of the finest farming properties of the valley, having here eight hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land from which he annually gathers very substantial and gratifying harvests. His agricultural methods are indicative of the latest step along the line of progress in crop production, and in addition to his farm he owns a fine residence at No. 333 Whitman street in Walla Walla.
In 1873 Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Julia McInroe, who was a native of Wisconsin and by whom he had eight children, as follows: George; Lawrence F.; Cyrus M.; Carrie L., the wife of W. L. Talbert; Laura A., who gave her hand in marriage to L. V. Warner; Ruth, the wife of William C. Retzer; and two who are deceased. All those living are residents of Washington. The wife and mother passed away in 1905 and was laid to rest in Mountview cemetery, her death being the occasion of deep and widespread regret not only to her immediate family but to those many friends who had learned to esteem her highly because of her many sterling traits of character and her kindly spirit.
C. T. NELSON
In politics Mr. Nelson has long been an earnest republican, voting with the party since casting his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln. He has served as county commissioner in Idaho and for one term was representative of his district in the Idaho state legislature. His public record, like his private life, is free from blame. His has been a useful, active and honorable career, guided by high principles. He has long been numbered among the honored residents of the northwest, where he has made his home for fifty-six years. There is no phase of the development of the northwest in its mining and agricultural interests with which he is not familiar and his broad experiences have caused him to look at life from a liberal standpoint, with sympathy for the frailties of men and respect for their sterling virtues.
LUTHER J. CAMPBELL.