[1] During the Civil War, Mabson first served in the United States Navy and then joined Company G, 5th Massachusetts Cavalry Regiment in February 1864 and mustered out in Clarksville, Texas, a full Command Sergeant.
[1][2] After earning a degree from Howard University Law School, he became the first black lawyer in North Carolina.
[1] In 1870, he unsuccessfully ran for a seat in the United States House of Representatives.
[1] He was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 1872 representing New Hanover.
[4][1] In the 1880s, a child who was likely either his son or nephew lived with and worked for Gould in Dedham, Massachusetts.