He is also notable for one of the earliest public readings of the Declaration of Independence, which was recently immortalized in a statue located at Monument Square Park in New Brunswick.

[3] On July 9, 1776, Neilson stood on a table in front of the White Hall Tavern on Albany Street in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and read the Declaration of Independence aloud for the third official (and approved) time.

[4] Prior to the Revolution, Neilson worked as a merchant in his uncle's shipping business in New Brunswick and in ownership of a salt mine in Toms River operated by Major John Van Emburgh.

[5] At the beginning of the Revolution, Neilsen resented what he labeled "the attempt of a venal Parliament, bought by an oppressive minority, to tax his country."

With only losing one militiaman, Neilsen's forces successfully captured Major Stockton along with Captain Asher Dunham, Lieutenant Fraser, and 62 Loyalists.