Morris Nelson
Early Life
Maurice Augustus Nelson, also known as Morris Nelson, was born on April 6, 1897, in Rye, New York. He grew up in the Rye community, residing at 33 Grapal Street, and was part of a family with Scandinavian roots, as indicated by his father’s birthplace in Sweden.
By the time of his World War I draft registration, he was employed by Abendroth Brothers in Port Chester, working in an industrial setting that reflected the manufacturing base of the region. His early life and employment place him within the working-class population that supported Rye and neighboring Port Chester’s industrial economy.
World War I Service
Nelson entered military service on July 3, 1918, enlisting in the United States Naval Reserve Force in New York City. He served as a Seaman Second Class and was assigned to the naval training facilities at Pelham Bay Park, one of the principal naval training camps during World War I.
His service included duty at both the Naval Training Camp and the Naval Hospital at Pelham Bay Park, where personnel were trained, processed, and supported for naval operations. His role would have involved training, basic naval duties, and support functions during the final months of the war.
He served from August 20, 1918, through November 11, 1918, during the closing phase of World War I, and continued in service until his discharge on February 19, 1919. His service was stateside, and there is no record of overseas deployment or combat engagement.
Life After Service
Following his military service, Nelson returned to civilian life and resumed work in the industrial trades. He was employed as a moulder at the Abendroth Foundry in Port Chester, where he worked for many years before retiring.
He remained connected to the Rye community and was a member of the Rye Presbyterian Church. He was also recognized as a veteran of both World War I and World War II, reflecting continued national service or registration during later mobilization periods.
Nelson was married to Marie Segale, who predeceased him. He later resided in New York City at 233 East 18th Street.
Maurice Augustus Nelson died on September 4, 1965, at the age of 68, after being found in his boat off Orchard Beach in the Bronx. He was pronounced dead at Jacobi Hospital.
At the time of his death, he was survived by his sister, Edith Nelson Morell of Stamford, Connecticut. He was also predeceased by his brother, Emil Nelson, who had served as a sergeant on the Rye Police Department.