Socrates Nelson (January 11, 1814 – May 6, 1867) was an American businessman, politician, and pioneer who served one term as a Minnesota state senator from 1859 to 1861. He was heavily involved in the community of early Stillwater, being a founding member of the first Independent Order of Odd Fellows lodge in Minnesota as well one of the earliest members of the Minnesota Historical Society. As a businessman, he was a merchant, lumberman, and real estate speculator associated with numerous companies in the insurance and rail industries. In politics, he was involved in the formation of the Minnesota Territory and the Minnesota Democratic Party, held various posts such as county treasurer, territorial auditor, and county commissioner, and was a member of the University of Minnesota Board of R