John William Nelson (1886-1981)

John William Nelson was born ___ __ 1886 in _____ Arkansas to Jesse Nicolas Nelson and Elizabeth Adams. Between 1900 and 1910, the family moved from Arkansas to Mathis, Jim Wells County, Texas. He is listed in the 1910 census as living at home, and occupation being listed as farm laborer.

He enlisted in the Army on August 15th, 1917, serving as an officer in World War 1, being assigned to the 344th Field Artillery, with overseas service from June 25th, 1918, to June 15th, 1919. One day prior to being sent overseas, he was promoted from Second Lieutenant to First Lieutenant. A month after returning from his overseas deployment, he was honorably discharged from active duty, on July 25th, 1919.

On ____ ____ ____, he married Electa Coltrin. They had 3 children - Edna Lois, John Sterling, and Betty Ruth.

In ____, he started working as a teller at the Mathis State Bank in Mathis, Texas, where he would work for the rest of his life until he retired in ____. During his employment there, he would work in many positions, eventually becoming the bank president.

He was adored by those

In 1942, he again registered for the draft after the entrance of the United States into World War 2, but was not called upon to serve.

In ____, he made a trip to Japan.

On ______ ____ ___, he and Electa celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

In the late 1970's, he became ill and infirm, and Electa would follow in illness a few years later. From his retirement savings, they were able to afford substantial help, including a cook that would come in and prepare meals, and a live in caretaker who lived in an apartment above the detached garage.

He died on July 7th, 1981 after a long illness.