Old Resident Gone (1906)

Grand Rapids Press, Michigan
24 January 1890
(Viewed online at GenealogyBank.)

OLD RESIDENT GONE

George C. Nelson Passed Away Aged Ninety-Four Years.

Came to Grand Rapids in 1836 and Was Long Identified with Business Interests of the City.

Another old resident has passed away. In the death of George C. Nelson Grand Rapids loses one of its oldest and most honored citizens. He was ninety-four years of age and died yesterday at his home, 93 Bostwick street.

Mr. and Mrs. Nelson observed the sixty-seventh anniversary of their marriage last November and Mrs. Nelson died just six weeks ago, soon after the wedding anniversary. They were closely identified with the early development of Grand Rapids. They were married in this city and lived here continuously until they died.

He came to Detroit from Massachusetts in 1834, and two years later, May 1, 1836, he arrived in this city.

Mr. Nelson built the store opposite the Eagle hotel in 1836, which is still standing. He built two stores on the site now occupied by Schmidt's drug store on Canal street and in 1839 he erected the building at 120 North Division street, which is still at that place. Another remaining residence which he built is on the northwest corner of Union and Cherry streets and still another is at the northeast corner of Ransom and Fountain streets.

Mr. Nelson was one of the founders of St. Mark's church. He was married there and his son George was the first child baptized in St. Mark's.

He was in many lines of business during his long life in Grand Rapids, but since 1892 had not been active in any. In that year the firm of Nelson Bros. & Co. sold out and both George C. Nelson and his son, George K. Nelson, retired. The other partner in the firm was James F. Nelson, son of the pioneer, who died in Brooklyn, N. Y., Dec. 13, 1894. George K. Nelson, the son and partner in the business, is the only remaining member of the family. Ezra T. Nelson, a brother of George C., is still living here.