Patrick Henry Nelson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
General Patrick Henry Nelson
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General Patrick Henry Nelson
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| Born | July 26, 1824 Clarendon County, South Carolina, United States |
| Died | June 24, 1864 Petersburg, Virginia |
| Allegiance |  South Carolina Confederate States |
| Service/ |
South Carolina Militia Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1864 |
| Rank | Major General (Militia) Lt. Colonel (CSA) |
| Unit | 7th South Carolina Infantry Battalion |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Spouse(s) | Emma Sarah Cantey |
| Children | Patrick Henry Nelson II |
| Relations | Patrick Henry Nelson III (great grandson) Elizabeth Nelson Adams (great-great granddaughter) Julian Adams II (great-great-great grandson) James Emerson Smith Jr. (great-great-great grandson) |
Patrick Henry Nelson (born July 26, 1824 – died June 24, 1864) was a military officer from South Carolina. He served as a general in the South Carolina militia. Later, he became an officer in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War.
Patrick Henry Nelson's Early Life
Patrick Henry Nelson was born in Clarendon County, South Carolina. His parents were Samuel Edgar Nelson and Amarintha Carson McCaulay. He went to college at South Carolina College and finished his studies in 1844.
He later married Emma Sarah Cantey. Her father was General James Willis Cantey. Emma was also related to other important generals. Patrick and Emma had three children together. One of their children was Patrick Henry Nelson II.
Military Service in the Civil War
Before the main Confederate Army was formed, Patrick Henry Nelson was a Major General in the South Carolina Militia. He led the 2nd Brigade of South Carolina Volunteers. His unit was involved in the fighting at the Battle of Fort Sumter. This battle was one of the first major events of the American Civil War.
In 1862, the Confederate Army was reorganized and grew larger. Nelson then became a Lieutenant Colonel. He was put in charge of the 7th South Carolina Infantry Battalion.
Final Battle and Legacy
In the spring of 1864, Nelson's battalion was sent to Virginia. They joined Brigadier General Johnson Hagood's Brigade. On June 24, 1864, during the Battle of Petersburg, Nelson led an attack. He and about 400 men attacked the Union army's far right side near the Appomattox River.
Unfortunately, other Confederate units did not support Nelson's group. His men suffered many losses. Colonel Nelson was last seen leading his soldiers into the Union army's rifle pits. He was never seen again after that.
General Hagood, Nelson's commanding officer, was very sad to hear the news. He said that Nelson was "a devoted patriot, a gallant soldier, a courteous gentleman."
Patrick Henry Nelson's son, Patrick Henry Nelson II, became a well-known person too. He started the Nelson Law Firm. He also served in the South Carolina House of Representatives. He was even the president of the South Carolina Bar Association from 1911 to 1912.
General Nelson is buried in the Quaker Cemetery in Camden, South Carolina.
