According to 1860 Clarkston census records Nelson was born in 1820 in New York.
Married Phoebe/Phebe J. Clark, daughter of Jeremiah Clark was born in 1826 in New York according to 1860 records.
Son, Blanchard J. Abbey was born in 1849 in Michigan according to 1860 census records.
Listed in the household in 1860 census records were Rosa Parish, a 16 year old domestic who was born in Michigan and Charles H. Penny, a 17 year old student who was born in Ohio.
Nelson was one of Clarkston's early doctors. He served as Clarkston's Post master 1869 -1873.
