Fazal Khan

Submitted by: Tanveer Kalo

Fazal Khan served in World War 1 with the United States Army. The dates of service are: Known May 27, 1917- July 23, 1919.

 

Private Fazal Khan was born on November 26, 1884 in Lodarmang,Hazara District North-West Frontier Province British India to Ameir Khan and Samnur. He immigrated to the United States in 1906 or 1907 and settled in Boston, Massachusetts.

By 1920, Khan was married to Mabel (Smith) Khan and was naturalized. Mabel was born in New Jersey. According to her 1920 federal census, she worked as dressmaker at home. Her 1900 , 1910, 1920, and 1930 federal censuses recorded her race as black. She was listed as white in her 1940 federal census. The Massachusetts Marriage Index listed Mabel's and Fazal's marraiage year as 1930. Khan's 1920 federal census recorded his race as Hindu (East Indian) and native tongue as Hindustani.

Fazal Khan enlisted into the U.S. Army on May 27, 1917. He was assigned to Casual Bakery Detachment Attachment to #318 Bakery Company. Khan and his unit departed Hoboken, New Jersey for Europe on October 29, 1917 on the ship Mt. Vernon. Private Khan and his new unit, St. Aignan QMC Casual Company 5970 Q M Detachment QM Depot #8 departed Marseille, France on June 22, 1919 and arrived to New York on July 7, 1919 on the ship Guiseppe Verdi. Private Khan was discharged on July 23, 1919.

After his military, Khan returned to Boston. By 1930, Fazal Khan still worked as a baker and had 3 kids with Mabel. His kids were Nurjahan, born in 1921, Kermajahn, born in 1924, and Dexter, born in 1926. All three were recorded as Negro (Black) like their father in the family's 1930 census.

By 1940, Fazal Khan worked for the U.S. government. His 1940 census listed his race as white and occupation as a laborer doing Wage or salary work in the government. The 1940 census also listed his 4 other children. They were Lourey, born in 1928, Lorraine born in 1930, Henrietta, born in 1932, and Anthony, born in 1938.

Khan's World War II draft card listed his race as white and he worked at a U.S. government's navy yard.

Fazal Khan died on February 14, 1953 at the age of 69. He is buried at Mount Hope Cemetery in Boston.