John 'truthsaint' Nelson

Meet John 'truthsaint' Nelson from Hagerstown, Maryland.

I was born in l955, in a small town, McConnellsburg, PA. I wanted to be a disc jockey from about age 13, so proceeded to follow this course, and after college, I was a disc jockey in McConnellsburg. But as I got older, my tastes changed, and I got involved in local history, so much so that I wrote I think eight books on various topics. By 1987 I was quite disillusioned about radio, and lucked into a job in the museum field. I became curator of the Jonathan Hager House, in Hagerstown, MD., where I have been ever since. I have now written 12 books, and am currently writing a book on the history of the hospitals established after the Civil War Battle of Antietam. I expect this project will take several more years. It's obvious that I love American history.

I became totally hooked on America with the release of the Holiday album. I hated my first year in college, due to culture shock (small town boy moves to big city Pittsburgh). Therefore, I'd listen to songs like "Story of A Teenager", " Another Try" and others, and became a huge fan. Talk about wearing out phonograph needles. My transfer to Shippensburg University was the best decision I ever made for it was a different atmosphere. After my tenure in radio, I went for many years without really enjoying music at all. It's only been recently that I've 'discovered' music again. My favorite America songs are: Daisy Jane, Old Man Took, Sister Golden Hair, Right Before Your Eyes, Tin Man, Jody, Lonely People, Another Try, Only In Your Heart and Lovely Night.

Briefly: I'm single, and I could pass for John Denver's twin brother (I've been told this for over 20 years). I love doing historical research. I do some Civil War reenacting (as a civilian, not a soldier), I like old houses, ghost stories (real ones!), conspiracy theories, collect Watt Ware Pottery, Department 56 houses, and I have two cats! I am using 'truthsaint' as my i.d. because I have found that in the history field, there are many people who are considered to be such experts in their area that they are unimpeachable in their statements. They are considered saints! So much so that even if you show them a reference which is completely opposite to what they say, they just blow you off. Meanwhile, I try to pursue the truth, a la Fox Mulder.

Feel free to send your comments or questions to John.