County Named, 1784. For Thomas Nelson, 1738-89. Member Va. House of Burgesses. In the first provincial convention, 1774; Continental Congress, 1775-77 and 1779. Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Commander of Va. Militia, 1777-81. Governor of Va., 1781. Commended for selfless patriotism in ordering guns to fire on his own home, the British headquarters, at Yorktown, 1781.