The Superior Express -

Though not yet a town, Nelson was selected as the county seat of Nuckolls County by a vote of the people in October, 1872. Two other towns were in the running, Elkton and Vernon, both in Elk precinct, The voters apparently picked the soon to be town for its central location and best accessibility from all parts of the county. The county offices moved to Nelson in 1873.

The town was surveyed and laid out early in 1873 by A. R Buttolph, surveyor for the original proprietors, Horatio Nelson Wheeler and wife of Peoria, Illinois. It was named in honor of Mr. Wheeler.

The original proprietors of Nel...