Socrates Nelson

Socrates Nelson (January 11, 1814 – May 6, 1867) was an American businessman and politician.

Born in Conway, Massachusetts, Nelson moved to Illinois and then Saint Louis, Missouri. In 1844, he moved to Stillwater, Wisconsin Territory, where he opened the first store. He was also in the lumber business. He served as Minnesota Territorial Auditor in 1835. He served as Washington County, Minnesota commissioner. Nelson then served in the Minnesota State Senate from 1859 to 1860. He died in Stillwater, Minnesota.