One of them, Polycarpua Nelson, was a signer of the famous declaration by the chief citizens of this country, in supi)ort of William and Mary, and in opposition to the House of Stuart.

A branch of the Nelson family settled in Dutchess County, where, at Crum Elbow Creek, on June 29, 1784, William Nelson was born. His father, Thomas Nelson, was a farmer, and William was reared as a farmer's son, working upon the farm in summer and attending district school in winter. He did not have the advantages of a collegiate education. He studied law at Poughkeepsie in the ofBce of Theron Eudd, then an attorney of distinction and large practice, and in 1807 was admitted to the bar. He bad intended settling in the extreme West, which was then Buffiilo, but circumstances diverted him to Peekskill, where he spent a long, busy and honorable life. He probably did as much as, if not more than, any other person to promote the growth and development of that place. Among other good works, he was largely instrumental in establishing the deservedly famous Peekskill Academy. As a lawyer he ranked' high, not so much for eloquence or skill at the bar as for industry, good common sense and integrity. His sterling qualities were appreciated by the people, and brought him a large and lucrative practice and many public honors.

From 1815 to 1818 he was district attorney of his district, comprising the counties of Westchester, Putnam and Rockland. Afterwards, when his district comprised Westchester alone, he held the same position. He held it altogether more than twentyfive years. He was also an Assemblyman from 1819 to 1822; State Senator, and as such, a member of the court for the correction of errors from 1824 to 1827 ; and Congressman from 1847 to 1851.