My Family Tree

Child's Full Name William Nelson Waldon
Birth Date 16 June 1864
Baptismal Date 14 July 1864
Officiating Clergy J Butcher
Father's Name John Waldon
Mother's Name Nancy
Church Name United Church
Church Location O'Leary
Record Book Number 1
Record Book Page 49

Contractor and builder in New York City, was born at Tyne Valley,
Prince Edward Island, and is a son of John Waldron, and grandson of
Alexander Waldron, who was a native of England, and who, upon his arrival in this province, settled in Lot 13, being about eighteen years old at the time. The subject secured a good education in the public schools of his neighborhood and upon reach-ing mature years - learned the carpenter's trade. He became a good workman and eventually entered into the building and contracting business, in which he was successfully engaged for many years. Locating in New York City, he constructed many substantial and modern buildings there, being numbered among the leading contract- ors and builders of that metropolis. Since his retirement from active business Mr. Wal-dron has resided at his native place, Tyne Valley, where he now devotes his time to his family and friends, and to his gun and rod, of which he is extremely fond.

Past and Present of PEI page 540

According to the New York newspapers, William and his brother Alexander's building company got into financial trouble, and in 1898 both fled Brooklyn New York leaving debts behind. In an interview from much later, William Nelson said he "recalls vividly the hardships of the great depression of 1893 to 1898 and the difficulties he had in keeping going."

William returned to PEI, where he married and raised his family. What happened to Alexander is unknown.

Pioneer - 15 Oct 1900, p.3 Mr. Wm. N. Waldron of Brooklyn, N.Y., is visiting his Island home and is at present at Summerside. He will probably remain the winter on account of poor health.