Following the admission of the State of Minnesota to the Union on May 11, 1858, Nelson was nominated by President James Buchanan on May 20, 1858, to the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota, to a new seat authorized by 11 Stat. 285.[1] He was confirmed by the United States Senate on May 30, 1858, and received his commission the same day.[6] His service terminated on May 16, 1896, due to his retirement,[7] by when he was the last federal judge in active service to have been appointed by President Buchanan. His retirement, although expected due to his age and length of service, was still surprising considering:[7]
There was considerable surprise in the United States Court to-day over the retirement of Judge Nelson. He was in the midst of a trial when he astonished every one by dismissing the jury, adjourning court, and announcing his retirement to private life. Judge Nelson is the oldest Judge in point of service on the federal bench, having been appointed nearly forty years ago.[7]
Later career and death
Following his retirement from the federal bench, Nelson resumed private practice in Saint Paul from 1896 to 1904.[8] He died on October 15, 1904, in Saint Paul.[9]
Family
Nelson was the fourth child of United States Supreme Court JusticeSamuel Nelson and Catharine Ann Russell, his father's second wife.[10][2] On November 2, 1858, Nelson was married to Mrs. Emma Fuller (née Beebee) Wright (1832–1886).[2] They had two children.[2]
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