Nelson Herrin volunteered for service in the Mexican War. Prior to 1860, he organized the Silver Cornet Band which, as a group, volunteered their services to the army in 1862 for the Civil War. In 1865 he organized the Houlton Band.

In 1883 Herrin started promoting building lots for summer cottages on Lake Nickerson. He built the dance hall, Lakewood, on Lake Nickerson and transported the steam boat "Mable" to Lake Nickerson for public excursions.