California, Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz
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Born a slave May 5, 1800 on a North Carolina plantation, Louden (London) Nelson worked the cotton fields until his master, Matthew Nelson brought him to the 1849 California Gold Rush. After securing his freedom, he arrived in Santa Cruz in 1856. Nelson worked as a cobbler. He also rented a small plot where he grew and sold produce. Nelson purchased land near the corner of River and Front Streets where he enjoyed hearing children at play at the school on nearby Mission Hill.
The school was shut down soon after for lack of funds. 50 years of hard work took its’ toll and he fell ill with consumption. Friends helped the illiterate Nelson prepare his will, bequeathing his entire estate “unto Santa Cruz School District forever for the purpose of promoting the interest of education”. Louden (London) Nelson died May 17, 1860. He was buried here at Evergreen Cemetery among the honored pioneers of Santa Cruz County. His understanding of the important role education plays in this community will live forever in the happy sounds and hearts of Santa Cruz school children.
(African Americans • Education) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
Born a slave May 5, 1800 on a North Carolina plantation, Louden (London) Nelson worked the cotton fields until his master, Matthew Nelson brought him to the 1849 California Gold Rush. After securing his freedom, he arrived in Santa Cruz in 1856. Nelson worked as a cobbler. He also rented a small plot where he grew and sold produce. Nelson purchased land near the corner of River and Front Streets where he enjoyed hearing children at play at the school on nearby Mission Hill.The school was shut down soon after for lack of funds. 50 years of hard work took its’ toll and he fell ill with consumption. Friends helped the illiterate Nelson prepare his will, bequeathing his entire estate “unto Santa Cruz School District forever for the purpose of promoting the interest of education”. Louden (London) Nelson died May 17, 1860. He was buried here at Evergreen Cemetery among the honored pioneers of Santa Cruz County. His understanding of the important role education plays in this community will live forever in the happy sounds and hearts of Santa Cruz school children.
(African Americans • Education) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
