Nelson, or "Nelly" as he was called by some of his family members was born into a very large Wendell family. Amongst his ancestors were the Wendell's who were one of the founding families of "Beverwyck" which would become Albany, New York.

He set high standards for himself and attempted to instill those in both family and friends. He decided that he wished to become a teacher, so got the education required. Early on he took a teaching position in Missouri, but health issues forced him to return to New York and regain his health. At the onset of the Civil War he was on the staff of the West Winfield Academy and also studying law. He was one of the men chosen to go into the 44th New York Volunteer Infantry, also known as the "Ellsworth Avengers." This was comprised of single men, who had to be at least 5 feet 9 inches in height and of sound moral character.

So south he went to fight for what he thought was right. In the winter of 1861 and 1862 the opportunity presented itself to return to New York to recruit a company for the newly being formed 121st New York Volunteer Infantry. This he did and became Captain of Company F.

The teacher proved to be a worthy leader of his company and very highly esteemed by his fellow officers and the soldiers around him. In fact he would have approximately 9 nephews with him in various companies of the 121st.

Full siblings:

William Hershall
James Homer
Washington
Lucina
Sally Louisa "Lou-ize"
Charles
Imilda Leona

1/2 siblings by his father's first marriage to Magdelena Snyder

(Rev) John Isaac
Catherine/Catherina "Katie"
Benjamin D.
Wesley
Sarah
Magdelena "Lena"
Anna Maria
(Rev) Jonas
Susan
Sarah

1/2 siblings by his mother's first marriage to John Gould:

Nancy Jane Gould
George Gould

Basically, many of the soldiers in the 121st were basic raw unseasoned recruits, but with Emory Upton as the colonel he soon had a group of good fighting men, thus became known as "Upton's Regulars."

Nelson recounted many of the battles, in camp experiences, etc. to family members, not to mention how he felt about his involvement in the war, hope for the future, etc.

Any hopes for the future were snuffed out when the Union forces slammed up against the Rebel forces at a small place called Salem Church in the afternoon of 3 May 1863. He was where he should have been, commanding his company, when Col. Upton's horse. Mamassas. was apparently shot and made a made dash for the front line. Upton attempted to warn those men, but due to the din of battle they could not hear him. Some privates were knocked to the ground and then with Upton in apparent hot pursuit, the horse knocked Nelson to the ground and trampled him. He rose up and immediately took a shot in the shoulder, knocking him to the ground once more. Had he remained down he may very well have survived, but a good soldier and leader as he was, he once again got up, taking a shot in his temple, with Upton beside him. (This is all verified.)

He had always indicated his wishes if it were his fate to die to be buried with his fellow soldiers. He was initially buried in a trench/pit with other Union troops, some of them his own men. His body was seen a couple of days later on the battle field by one of his own nephews, wounded and a prisoner. He attempted to go out and cut a lock of his hair, but the Reb captors forbid it.

Later the bodies from the Salem Church Battle would be exhumed and taken to Fredericksburg for proper burial.

His death was greatly mourned by not only the 121st New York, but by his huge family and multitude of friends back in New York state.

~

Cenotaph here