John Nilson was born in Pennsylvania ca. 1832. During the 1850s he moved to Jackson County, Indiana. By 1860 he was married and employed as a harness maker in Woodville, Indiana. His wife's name was Charity. During the Civil War Nilson was mustered into the army at Evansville, Indiana on August 8, 1861 and given the rank of corporal. He served with Company G of the 25th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. On August 18, 1864 Nilson was promoted to 1st lieutenant and by January 1, 1865 promoted again to captain. He mustered out on July 17, 1865 in Louisville, Kentucky. After the war Nilson and his family moved to the state of Missouri where he worked as a farmer. Nilson and his wife had eight children.

From the description of Civil War diary and papers, 1862-1865. (Indiana Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 21667742

John Nilson was born in Pennsylvania about 1832. By the 1850s he lived in Jackson County, Ind., and served as captain with the Indiana 25th Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. After the war he moved with his family to the state of Missouri.

From the description of Papers, 1855-1879. (Indiana Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 19771685