Maj. Hugh Mortimer Nelson (1811-1862)
of "Long Branch" Representative for Clarke Co., Virginia (Secession) Convention
He was a grandson of Thomas Nelson, Governor of Virginia. He was married in Boston and began his career as a lawyer in Baltimore. In 1842, he moved back to Virginia, purchasing the "Long Branch Plantation" from his uncle, Philip Nelson. He represented Clarke County at the Virginia (Secession) Convention of 1861, initially maintaining his support for the Union. But, blaming Lincoln's "outrageous and usurping course" after the events at Fort Sumter and Virginia's decision to secede, with "a sad and heavy heart" he sided with the Confederate States. Raising a cavalry company from Clarke County, he attained the rank of Major under General Richard S. Ewell. He was wounded at the Battle of Gaines Mill/Seven Days Battles, June 26th 1862, and died in Albemarle County on August 6th. His widow was left in charge of Long Branch where she died of pneumonia after a long struggle to keep the property in the family.
