Nelson family.

Merchants and landholders in Yorktown, the Nelsons were active in the politics of Colonial Virginia. William (1711-1772) held a variety of offices, among them president of the Virginia council and governor 1770-1771). His son Thoma (1738-1789) also served in many capacities including delegate to the Continental Congress (1775), where he signed the Declaration of Independence, commander of troops during the revolutionary war, and governor (June-Nov. 1781).

From the description of Letter book of William and Thomas Nelson [manuscript], 1766-1775. (University of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 647836301