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Capt. John Albert Neilson was born at "Belmont," the antebelllum home of the Meilson's, on Lowndes County, Miss., near Columbus, April 13, 1842. He fell "asleep in Jesus" on February 28, 1922, after an illness of a few days. In September, 1920, he sustained a fractured hip, since which time he has suffered much pain. He closed his eyes in sleep here and opened them to behold the wonders of the ci[t]y not made with hands.

When the War between the States came on, John A. Neilson joined the Confederate army, serving as a captain in the quartermaster's department of the 49th Mississippi, and filled that position during the four years of strife, conducting himself as a brave, heroic, sacrificing soldier of the South.

Early in life he gave his heart to God and united with the Presbyterian Church. For many years he was an elder. In the Church, as in his home, the army, and every walk of life, he was true and faithful at all times and under all circumstances. He was consecrated in his life, generous to a fault, and always a strong arm upon which his Church, his friends, his comrades, or his family might lean.

For thirteen years he was proctor at the college in Columbus, Miss., and his duties as such were discharged with the utmost fidelity.

Captain Neilson was the father of five children. One daughter and the mother went on the long journey many years ago. Two sons and two daughters survive.

Attended by his Confederate comrades, Daughters of the Confederacy, and many friends and relatives, he was laid to rest in Friendship Cemetery at Columbus, the battle flag of the Confederacy over his quiet heart.