[3] White was born in Middleton, New Hampshire, on February 8, 1814, and was named after Horatio Nelson, the famous British admiral and hero of the Battle of Trafalgar.

Upon arrival in Syracuse, White immediately made a name for himself, earning high praises as the building contractor for the Church of the Messiah.

[3] In 1851, White returned to his wife and daughter in Syracuse, paid off his creditors and established what became a highly successful architectural practice.

[5] White adapted this style to the Hall of Languages, the first building constructed on the campus of Syracuse University.

White was engaged to design New York State armories in Syracuse, Dunkirk and Ballston Spa.