Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2020, All Rights Reserved USGenNet Data Repository Please read USGenNet Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ ========================================================================= USGenNet Data Repository NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be re- produced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization. Non-commercial organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the consent of the transcriber prior to use. Individuals desiring to use this material in their own research may do so. ========================================================================= Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== Portrait and Biographical Record of Muskegon and Ottawa Counties Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago - 1893 Page 141-142 HON. NELSON DE LONG. At the Bar of the State of Michigan many men have won brilliant triumphs, but none have attained greater fame than that which a just recognition of his talents brings to Mr. DE LONG, who is conceded to be the ablest jury lawyer in central and western Michigan. To him belongs the distinction of having won a larger number of cases than any attorney in this part of the State. In addition to his professional labors, he has held with honor various local positions of trust, and has twice been chosen Mayor of Muskegon. As chief executive he vigorously promoted the interests of the city and made an enviable record, which, in connection with other qualities, has contributed to his popularity throughout the city and county. A native of Michigan, our subject was born in Essex, Clinton County, November 6, 1848. His parents, NELSON and LYDIA A. (AYERS) DE LONG, were widely known and highly esteemed in the Wolverine State. The father, an industrious man and upright citizen, was a farmer by occupation and a practical general agriculturist. Emi- grating from the Empire State, he located in Clinton County, where he made his home until his death, in 1891. He came to Michigan a young man full of ambition and earnest purpose to win his way in life, and was successful in his vocation. A pioneer of Clinton County, he shared the privations of the early days, and, clearing, cultivating and improving the land, participated in the promotion of the farming interests of his adopted State. His beloved wife, daughter of JOHN AYERS, entered into rest many years before her hus- band, passing away in 1874. Our subject was the fourth of seven children, of whom five yet survive. Reared upon the old homestead in Clinton County, he at- tended the public school of Essex and assisted his father in the care of the farm, devoting a large part of his time to agricultural pursuits until he had reached nineteen years, when he enjoyed the benefits of instruction in the Normal School at Maple Rapids. Having completed his studies in the latter well-known institution, he taught school for a time and then entered the law department of the State University at Ann Arbor, from which he was graduated March 29, 1871. He then located in Maple Rapids and began the practice of his profession. Succeeding as an advocate at the Bar, Mr. DE LONG likewise met with public favor, and was elected Justice of the Peace and also held the important position of Circuit Court Commissioner. In the month of August, 1873, he removed to Muskegon and opened an office for the general practice of law. In a brief time he entered into partnership with JOAB BAKER, under the firm name of BAKER & DE LONG, the partnership continuing until 1875, when Mr. BAKER retired from the firm. Mr. DE LONG continued the practice of his profession alone until 1881, when he formed a partnership with WILLIAM W. and EUGENE FELLOWS, under the firm name of DE LONG, FELLOWS & FELLOWS. In the fall of 1876, he was chosen to fill the office Prosecuting Attorney and served in that capacity for one term. In 1880 he was re-elected, holding the position until June, 1882, when he resigned. Forming a partnership with F. W. COOK and EUGENE FELLOWS, under the firm title of COOK, DE LONG & FELLOWS, he conducted his practice in this con- nection until November 10, 1884. In the spring of 1882, Mr. DE LONG made the race for Mayor on the laboring men's ticket against a prominent Democrat, who was nominated by the Republicans and Democrats. Notwithstanding this opposition, he was elected by the handsome majority of nine hundred and sixty-one votes. In 1883, he was re-elected chief executive of the city. He formed a law partnership with JAMES O'HARA in 1887, and the firm continued until August, 1893. In 1887 he was prominently brought before the people as candidate for Circuit Judge, on the Democratic ticket, but, the district being overwhelmingly Repub- lican, he suffered defeat. From 1889 to 1891, he served as Attorney of the city of Muskegon. In 1893 he was again nominated on the Demo- cratic ticket for the position of Judge of the Forteenth Judicial Circuit, composed of Muskegon and Oceana Counties, and his popular- ity at home is attested by the fact that he had a majority of nearly one thousand in Muskegon County. Oceana, however, contributing to his opponent's majority, securied the defeat of Mr. DE LONG. June 27, 1872, occurred the marriage of NELSON DE LONG and Miss JENNIE L. McCARTNEY, an accomplished young lady residing in Maple Rapids, Mich., and the daughter of ROBERT and LOU (WEBSTER) McCARTNEY. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. DE LONG was LYMAN WEBSTER, a man of ability and high position. In February, 1890, Mrs. DE LONG departed this life, leaving one child, a daughter, NINA L., who resides with her father in their beautiful home at No. 98 Rawson Street, Muskegon. Mr. DE LONG and his daughter occupy a position of distinction in social circles and enjoy the regard of their acquaintances. ==========================================================================