Clark, Robert Carlton, Ph.D. "History of the Willamette Valley Oregon."  Vol. 2.
Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1927. p. 27.
 
NELSON J. NELSON, JR.
 
     One of the most progressive and enterprising automobile agencies in the
lower Willamette Valley Is that of the Nelson Motor Company, at Cottage Grove,
of which Nelson J. Nelson, Jr., is the head. A man of extensive business
experience and mature judgment, he has attained a success in his present line
and is regarded as one of the leading business men of Cottage Grove. Mr. Nelson
was born in Salix, Woodbury county, Iowa, on the 7th of December, 1887, and is a
son of Nelson J. Nelson. In September, 1908, the father brought his family to
Oregon, locating at Coburg, Lane county, where for a number of years he
successfully engaged in the hardware business, but is now retired from active
affairs and is living in Cottage Grove.
 
     Nelson J. Nelson, Jr., secured his education in the public schools and then
learned the business of interior decorating, which he followed on his own
account for several years.  Later he established a bowling alley and pool hall,
and was also engaged in the theater business for a time. Disposing of these
interests, he engaged in the grocery business, and afterwards turned his
attention to selling life insurance.   During the World war he was with the
Booth-Kelley Lumber Company, and then came to Cottage Grove and took over the
agency for the Maxwell automobile, at the same time operating a taxi and
transfer business, though he later sold the latter interests.   He also handled
the Chandler and Cleveland cars, and in 1921 became the local agent for the
Dodge cars.  In 1924 he took the Willys-Overland agency and during 1925 also
handled the Hudson-Essex line of cars, but since that year he has confined his
attention exclusively to the Willys-Overland cars, in the handling of which he
has met with a very gratifying success.   In 1927 Mr. Nelson took F. O. Bennett,
who had been with him for eight years, in as a partner and they now operate
under the name of the Nelson Motor Company. They have a splendid display room
and office and also maintain a complete service and  parts  department,  where
repairs  are quickly and efficiently made.    Since engaging in the automobile
business Mr. Nelson has sold over eight hundred and fifty new and used cars, and
is now averaging seventy-five new cars and one hundred and fifty used cars a
year.
 
     On March 22, 1910, Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Pearl A.
Deffenbacker, of Coburg, Lane county, and they are the parents of two children,
Maxine E., aged thirteen years, and Robert Lee, aged six years. Mr. Nelson is a
Royal Arch Mason and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and has been a
member of the Modern Woodmen of  America  for twenty-one years.  He also belongs
to the Lions Club, of which he is past president.  Politically, he is aligned
wuh the democratic party and is greatly interested in public affairs.   Affable
and courteous in manner, and upright and straightforward in all of his dealings,
he has won the respect and confidence of all who have come in contact with him
and is regarded as one of the able and dependable business men of his community.

     
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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in June 2016 by Diana Smith.  Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.