Pvt. Michael O'Brian

Pvt. Michael O’Brian

   Listed on the 1860 Census #275/2049 as aged 20 years from Maine living in Elgin, Ill's.

A Co. 7th Ill. Vol. Inf.

Fremont Rifles

   Mustered In July 25, 1861 at Mound City, Ill's.
   Home of record listed as Elgin, Ill's.
   Issued .69 US Altered Musket taken in the Geneva Raid.

   Notice: Oct. 22, 1862 issue Elgin's Weekly Gazette.
   The 7th and 52d-Both these regiments were in the fight at Corinth.  The 52d was badly cut up, not so bad however, as some of the others.  Lieut., Col. John S. Wilcox was in command and we learn that he conducted himself with great coolness and bravery.
   The 7th took a hand in when the bayonet charge was made upon the rebels after they had gained the inside of our breastworks.  We do not learn that any of Capt. lawyer's company from this town were wounded.
-Aurora Beacon.

   Spring 1863 and again in 1864 the Regiment was  mounted on mules making them mounted infantry.
   Re-enlisted as a Veteran and paid a $300 Veterans Bounty then sent home on 30 days Veterans Furlough.
   During their Veterans Furlough the regiment bought at their own expense 16 shot Henry Rifles.
   Discharged July 29, 1864, reason not listed.

Known Actions;
Fort Henry, Tenn.          Feb. 6, 1862
Fort Donelson, Tenn.      Feb. 11, 1862
Shiloh, Tenn.              April 6, 1862
Corinth, Miss.            Oct. 2, 1862
Town Creek               May 26, 1863
Swallow’s Bluff, Tenn.    Sept. 30, 1863

From the collection of Ken Gough

US Altered Musket

Model 1816 Springfield / dated 1827

Used with permission Elgin Area Hist. Soc.