He was born in 1832/33 (2 (28 in 1861)).
He enlisted and was mustered into service, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on 9 December 1861 (1, 2 [8 Nov 61]). He was mustered in as a private in company I (1, 2, 3-4).
He deserted on 10 December 1861, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1, 2). He was a private, in company I (3-4).
1 Bates, Samuel Penniman. History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5. Harrisburg: B. Singerly, state printer, 1869-71. 5 volumes. 'Ninety-first regiment', volume 3, pages 186-233. (In the roster) (James E Wilson)
2 Civil War Veterans' Card File, available at the Pennsylvania State Archives, searched 31 March 2005 (James E Wilson [rolls have 'Nelson'])
3 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (James E Nelson)
4 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (James E Wilson)