10 Facts About Oscar Nelson

Oscar Nelson was a politician and union leader who served as Illinois treasurer Illinois auditor of public accounts.

Oscar Nelson served as the interim president of the Building Service Employees International Union, the precursor of the Service Employees International Union, in 1927.

Oscar Nelson emigrated to the United States and got a job as a delivery boy.

Oscar Nelson held employment as a grocery clerk, foundry worker and railway worker, but finally went into the banking industry and eventually became president of the Geneva State Bank and head of the Kane Co.

In 1924, Nelson won election as the Auditor for the state of Illinois and re-elected in 1928.

In 1931, Oscar Nelson was tried on charges of malfeasance for refusing to close banks even though he knew they were in poor financial condition.

Oscar Nelson was acquitted after a state court ruled juries had no jurisdiction over state officers.

Oscar Nelson resigned due to health concerns on September 3,1927.

Oscar Nelson retired from electoral politics in 1932, but continued to serve served in a number of appointed capacities.

Oscar Nelson died in his home in Geneva, Illinois, in 1951.