While few records exist that document his life, historians know that William Nelson Molson was born to William and Elizabeth Molson in Mexico, a small community in Juniata County, Pennsylvania. Molson worked as a boatman, barber, and elevator operator. In March 1864, Molson joined Company B of the 43rd United States Colored Troops Regiment. Within a month he received a promotion to corporal. According to his service records, Molson served as the color guard during an engagement at Hatchers Run, Virginia, on October 27, 1864. He served with his regiment until it was mustered out in October 1865. He married Sarah J. Parker, his second wife, and they had at least one daughter, Mary. Molson died less than three weeks after the end of World War I and was buried in Eastern Light Cemetery in Altoona, Pennsylvania. (By Don Sailer)
Life Span
to
Life Summary
Full name
William Nelson Molson
Place of Birth
Burial Place
Birth Date Certainty
Exact
Death Date Certainty
Exact
Gender
Male
Race
Mixed (Mulatto)
Sectional choice
North
Origins
Free State
Family
William Molson (father), Elizabeth Murray Molson (mother), Sarah J. Parker (second wife), Mary Molson Groce (daughter)
Occupation
Military
Other
Other Occupation
Boatman, Barber, Elevator Operator
Relation to Slavery
Free black
Military
Union Army