EVENTS: Do you know a Nelson?

The family of Erastus and Eliza Nelson, circa 1814.

You might be a Nelson if your last name is: Crommett, Bailey, Curtis, Glidden, Dowe, Tobey, Doughty, or Turner. Come see at the 100th Nelson Reunion of Erastus and Eliza Nelson descendents to be held Saturday, August 9, at the Palermo Christian Church.

Ninty-nine years ago, the second Nelson Family Reunion was hosted by Erastus and Eliza’s eighth child Warren Benjamin Nelson and his wife, Clara E (Haskell) Worthing, (the daughter of Hartwell and Louise Haskell of China, Maine). Warren and Clara owned a farm on Western Ridge Road in Palermo, and for the reunion set up tables in the apple orchard. Warren and Clara did not have any children, but enjoyed their nieces and nephews.

Warren’s brother, Oville, the third child of Erastus and Eliza was born in Palermo and married Lilla Genevieve Clark (the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Moody) Clark of Vassalboro. They lived on Elizabeth’s father’s farm in Vassalboro, while taking care of her parents. Oville received the Andrew Carnegie medal for personal bravery in rescuing a neighbor from a well. They had four children; Lizzie Alma Nelson, Susie Carlotta, Marion Genevieve, and Henry Clark.

Oville’s daughter, Susie Carlotta married Jasper Crommett, the son of Hollis and Lisa (Slater) Crommett of Weeks Mills, Maine in 1910. They made their home in China, Maine and had three children; Hazel Carlotta Crommett, John Henry, and Dennis Monroe.

After their children were grown there was divorce in 1940. Susie later married George Fuller and they lived on a farm in Weeks Mills. After Mr. Fuller died Susie spend much of her time with her daughter Hazel.

Hazel Carlotta Crommett was born in 1911 and married Irving Bailey in 1930, and had thirteen children. They lived on a farm in China, Maine. In 1957, after her husband’s death, she brought her entire family to the Nelson reunion.

Her children are Arland, Barbara Ruth, Pauline Marilyn, Phillip, Madeline, Paul, Beverley Hazel, Glendon, Joseph Carroll, Carolyn Joan, Nancy Sue, Norman Lawrence, James and Diana Marie.

Many of Hazel’s grandchildren are still in the Maine area. Do you know them? Here is the list with their birth names:

Arland’s children: Roxanne Bailey, Tanya, Pamela Bailey, Lori, Jeffrey, and Bonnie.

Barbara’s children: April Lee Curtis, Charlene Hazel, Parker, Lisa, and Annette.

Pauline’s children: Valerie Ann Glidden, Beth Elaine, Cynthia Lynn, and Scott Atwood.

Madeline’s children: Robert C. Dowe II, Julie, Kelley, Glenn Paul and Donald E.

Paul’s children: Peter Bailey, Tina, Betti and Chadwick.

Beverly Hazel’s son Corey Tobey.

Joseph Carroll’s son Joseph Carroll Bailey Jr.

Carolyn Joan’s children: Richard Turner, JR, Rodney, and Steven.

Nancy Sue’s children: Matthew Tyson Doughty, and Sarah Elizabeth.

Norman’s son Scott Bailey.

James’s children: Jason and Joel Bailey.

Diana Marie’s children: Jessica Rose Turner, and Ken Paul.