Glasgow Bolden was born in Pamplin, Virginia, on October 22 between the years 1896 and 1900, to Callip and Nanie Bolden.
He later moved to Roanoke, Virginia, where he lived with his aunt, Sallie Harris, at 501 Norfolk Avenue SW.
On September 24, 1918, Glasgow enlisted in the United States Army. Less than a month later, on October 17, 1918, he died of influenza during the devastating Spanish Flu pandemic, before he could enter active service.
His original burial location is uncertain. It is believed that his remains may have been moved to Coyner Springs Cemetery in October 1961 during the construction of Interstate 581.