Thomas Henry Nelson was an American lawyer and diplomat. He served as U. S. Envoy to Chile.
Background
Thomas Henry Nelson was born on August 12, 1824 near Maysville, Kentucky, United States. He was an elder brother of William Nelson, and the son of Dr. Thomas W. Nelson and Frances (Doniphan) Nelson of Mason County, Kentucky, in whose home the Clays, the Crittendens, and other members of the old Kentucky aristocracy were familiar guests.
Education
After completing his studies in the Maysville schools, Nelson went in 1844 to Rockville, Indiana, where he studied and practised law for six years.
Career
Nelson moved to Terre Haute, which became his permanent home.
In 1855 he formed a law partnership with Abram Adams Hammond, who afterward became governor of Indiana, and in 1856 a partnership with Isaac N. Pierce. In his active law practice in western Indiana and eastern Illinois he met as a legal opponent, and presently as a friend, Abraham Lincoln.
He became a leader of the Whig party, and was one of the founders of the Republican party in the Middle West. Several times he was a delegate to state and national conventions. Only once, however, was he a candidate for a public office: in 1860 he made a joint canvass with Daniel W. Voorhees in a campaign for Congress, and his rival won the election.
On June 1, 1861, Nelson was appointed minister to Chile by his old friend Lincoln.
In 1865, when hostilities broke out between Chile and Spain, Chile believed that the United States would become her ally.
Nelson labored tirelessly to bring about a peaceful settlement between the two warring countries, but was not authorized to involve the United States as a belligerent. The people of Chile were much disappointed, even resentful, but the Minister's policy of neutrality was subsequently indorsed by the State Department.
In 1869 he was appointed minister to Mexico, and served there ably and faithfully until 1873, although no outstanding incident marked this period of service.
After his resignation from the diplomatic service, Nelson returned to Terre Haute, where he again practised law and took a prominent part in politics. He died there in 1896.
Achievements
Politics
Nelson campaigned vigorously in favor of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution.
Personality
Nelson was tall and soldierly in bearing, distinguished in appearance, vigorous in action, a brilliant and compelling orator, skilful in public affairs and gifted with a contagious friendliness.
Connections
In 1844 Nelson married Elizabeth (Key) Nelson, daughter of Colonel Marshall Key, a Kentucky political leader. She was possessed of great charm, intelligence, and many accomplishments, and took an important part in her husband's career. The death of his wife in Mexico City in 1872 was a severe blow to him.