Patrick Henry Nelson II (October 3, 1856 - June 20, 1914) was born in Camden, South Carolina to General Patrick Henry Nelson, of the Confederate States Army, and Emma Sarah Cantey.

After attending The University of the South, Nelson went to study law with Judge Joseph B. Kershaw in Camden, S.C. in 1875.

In 1877 he was admitted to the bar and went to practice with General John D. Kennedy of Camden.

Nelson became the Fifth Circuit Solicitor and the President of the South Carolina Bar Association (1911-1912).

Ultimately William's son, Patrick Henry Nelson III (1910-1964), would come to run the law firm and continue its tremendous growth.