Thomas Nelson, Jr. (1738-1789) was the eldest brother of William Nelson, Jr., a lifelong friend of William Short. He signed the Declaration of Independence and commanded the Virginia militia during the War of Independence. He represented York County in the Virginia House of Delegates twice, during the years 1777 to 1783 and 1786 to 1788. In 1781, he was elected governor of Virginia but due to health reasons, he had to resign that same year.
