Nelson, Joseph
(Abt 1841-1912)
By William "Bennett" White, Spring 2023
Joseph Nelson was born about 1845. He was most likely born into slavery in Suffolk, Virginia and came to Norfolk, VA to enlist.
According to the 1870 US Census, Nelson returned to Norfolk after the war and was employed as a driver (most likely a stagecoach driver) and was married to Margaret Nelson. By 1880, Nelson was listed as a laborer and still married to Margaret Nelson. They had five children: Robert, Frank, Joseph, Edward, and Sarah Nelson. By 1900, Nelson was living in Ward 1 in Norfolk and working as an undertaker. He continued working as an undertaker until his death in 1912.
Sources:
Full Name: Joseph Nelson
Also Known as:
Birth Date: Abt. 1845
Birthplace: Suffolk, Virginia
Parents: Toney and Sallie Nelson
Ethnicity:
Race: African American
Spouse: Mary (Margaret) Nelson
Children: Robert, Frank, Joseph, Edward, and Sarah Nelson
Marriage Date:
Marriage Place:
Death Date: January 21, 1912
Death Place: Norfolk, VA
Burial Date:
Burial Place: West Point Cemetery, Norfolk, VA
Major Keywords/Search Terms:
Joseph Nelson | Norfolk, VA | United States Colored Troops | 43rd Regiment, United States Colored Infantry |
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"Nelson, Joseph - Age 20, Year: 1863 - 1st US Colored Cavalry"
Record Group 94: Records of the Adjutant General's Office; Series: Carded Records Showing Military Service of Soldiers Who Fought in Volunteer Organizations During the American Civil War https://catalog.archives.gov/id/38804267
Year: 1870; Census Place: Norfolk Ward 4, Norfolk, Virginia; Roll: M593_1666; Page: 231A
Year: 1880; Census Place: Norfolk, Norfolk, Virginia; Roll: 1381; Page: 402B; Enumeration District: 071
Year: 1900; Census Place: Norfolk Ward 1, Norfolk City, Virginia; Roll: 1735; Page: 10; Enumeration District: 0086; FHL microfilm: 1241735
Year: 1910; Census Place: Norfolk Ward 2, Norfolk (Independent City), Virginia; Roll: T624_1637; Page: 5B; Enumeration District: 0028; FHL microfilm: 1375650
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National Park Service, “The Civil War: Battle Unit Details,” Last modified (n. d.), Accessed on March 17, 2023, https://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-battle-units-detail.htm?battleUnitCode=UUS0043RI00C
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