This Week in Little Bighorn History

Algernon Emory Smith (left) was born on September 17, 1842, in Newport, New York. He was a First Lieutenant in command of Company E who died with Custer’s Column.

The Treaty of Fort Laramie was concluded on September 17, 1851. When it was before the Senate for ratification, certain amendments were made which required the assent of the Tribes, but the assent was not obtained. Two Court of Claims cases held that the treaty was legal and binding on the United States.

James Montgomery Bell (left) died in Hermosa Beach, California, on September 17, 1919, and was buried in the San Francisco National Cemetery (The Presidio). He was a First Lieutenant of Company D who was on leave at the time of the battle.

James Lawler died on September 18, 1877, at Canyon Creek, Montana Territory. He was a Private in Company H who was not present at the battle due to detached service at Fort Lincoln, Dakota Territory.

Siegmund Ferdinand Widmayer died in Riverton, New Jersey, on September 18, 1913, and was buried in the Epworth United Methodist Cemetery in Palmyra, New Jersey. He was a Private in Company M who was not present at the battle due to detached service in charge of a six-mule team at Powder River, Montana.

George W. Glenn (left), who was also known as George W. Glease, died on September 18, 1914, in Richmond, Virginia, and was buried in the Hampton National Cemetery in Hampton, Virginia. He was a Private in Company H who participated in the hilltop fight. 

David McWilliams committed suicide on September 19, 1882, at Fort Meade, South Dakota, and was buried in the Fort Meade National Cemetery. He was a Private in Company H who was not present at the battle due to being shot in his leg while aboard the Far West. See 7th Cavalry Troopers in South Dakota.

George Anderson died of lip cancer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on September 19, 1912, and was buried the next day in the Minneapolis Pioneers and Soldiers Memorial Cemetery. He was a Private in Company K who was not present at the battle due to detached service as a laborer in the quartermaster department at Fort Lincoln, Dakota Territory.

Alexander Browne Bishop died on September 19, 1935, in Brooklyn, New York, and was buried in The Evergreens Cemetery in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. He was a Corporal in Company H who was wounded in the hilltop fight.

John A. Bailey was born in Jo Daviess County, Illinois, on September 20, 1847. He was a Saddler with Company B who was with the pack train and participated in the hilltop fight during the battle.

Jacob Horner (left) died of a respiratory infection on September 21, 1951, in Bismarck, North Dakota, and was buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery there. He was a Private in Company K who was not present at the battle due to detached service at Powder River, Montana.

Charles Henry Bischoff was born in Bremen, Germany, on September 23, 1855. He was a Private in Company C who was not present at the battle due to detached service at Powder River, Montana.

Daniel Newell

Daniel Newell (left) died of gangrene on September 23, 1933, at Hot Springs, South Dakota, and was buried in Bear Butte Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota. He was a Private in Company M who participated in the valley fight and was wounded in the hilltop fight. See 7th Cavalry Troopers in South Dakota.

This Week in Little Bighorn History

Morris Mason Farrar was born on July 30, 1846, in Amesbury, Massachusetts. He was a Private in Company E who participated in the hilltop fight.

James Wilbur Darcy, who was also known as James Wilber, was born on August 2, 1849, in Laurel, Maryland. He was a Private in Company M who participated in the valley and hilltop fights during the battle. He was wounded in his left leg on June 26, 1876.

Jacob Hetler (left) was born in Mansfield, Ohio, on August 2, 1852 (gravestone has 1851). He was a Private in Company D who was wounded during the hilltop fight.

Alexander Downing (right) died on August 2, 1884, in Newton Township, Miami County, Ohio, and was buried in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery there. He was a Private in Company F who was not present at the battle due to detached service at Fort Lincoln.

Charles W. Campbell died in Fort Bayard, New Mexico, on August 2, 1906. He was a Private in Company G who was with the pack train and was wounded in his right shoulder during the hilltop fight. According to his descendants, he wanted his remains to be shipped to Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, and placed in a vault. No record of his remains being in Illinois could be found.

William Earl Smith was born on August 3, 1853, in Rouses Point, New York. He was a Private in Company D who participated in the hilltop fight.

James Akers died in Washington, D.C., on August 3, 1881, and was buried in the Soldiers’ Home National Cemetery there. He was a Corporal in Company G who participated in the valley and hilltop fights.

Charles Stillman Ilsley (left) was born on August 4, 1836, in Maine. He was a Captain for Company E who was not present at the battle due to detached service at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

Thomas Murray died at the Soldiers’ Home in Washington, D.C., on August 4, 1888, and was buried in the National Cemetery there. He was a Sergeant with Company B who was with the pack train and participated in the hilltop fight where he was wounded. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his efforts to bring up the pack train and distribute rations during the battle.

Gabriel Guessbacher died on August 4, 1916, in Warwick, North Dakota, and was buried there in the Warwick Cemetery. He was a Private in Company I who was not present at the battle due to detached service at Powder River, Montana. According to The Bismarck Tribune, he later claimed to be “one of the few who escaped the Custer massacre.”

James M. Rooney (left) died on August 5, 1918, in Yankton, South Dakota, and was buried in the State Hospital Cemetery there. He was a Private with Company F who was with the pack train and participated in the hilltop fight. See 7th Cavalry Troopers in South Dakota.

Henry Nicholaus Peter Witt died in Santa Monica, California, on August 5, 1929. He was a Private for Company K who was not present due to detached service at the Powder River, Montana.

This Week in Little Bighorn History

May 7, 1868 â€“ The Treaty of Fort Laramie with the Crow was concluded.

John Fitzgerald died in New York City on May 7, 1900, and was buried in Calvary Cemetery in Woodside, Queens County, New York. He was the Farrier for Company C who participated in the hilltop fight.

Soldier (left), an Arikara Scout, died on May 7, 1921, and was buried in the Indian Scout Cemetery in McLean County, North Dakota. His gravestone states, “Served his country as an Indian Scout.” He was with Reno’s Column, but he did not cross the river.

Good Elk (Wah-nee), an Arikara Scout who was also known as Red Bear, died in Nishu, North Dakota, on May 7, 1934, and was buried in the Indian Scout Cemetery in McLean County, North Dakota, where he is listed as Handsome Elk. He participated in the valley fight.

Charles Sanders was born on May 8, 1842, in Altenberg, Germany. He was a Private in Company D who served as the Orderly for Lt. Winfield Scott Edgerly and participated in the hilltop fight during the battle.

Edward Garlick (left) was born in Chertsey, England, on May 8, 1846. He was the First Sergeant for Company G who was on furlough at the time of the battle.

Jeremiah Campbell died on May 8, 1884, in Decatur, Illinois, and was buried in Westside Cemetery in Moweaqua, Shelby County, Illinois. He was a Sergeant in Company K who participated in the hilltop fight.

Thomas Wellesley Causby (left) was born on May 9, 1848, in Liverpool, England. He was the Staff Quartermaster Sergeant, but he was not present at the battle due to detached service at Powder River, Montana.

May 9, 1887 â€“ Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show opened in London.

Jasper Rudolph Marshall died in Pleasant Hill, Ohio, on May 9, 1920, and was buried in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. He was a Private with Company L who was with the pack train and participated in the hilltop fight.

May 10, 1868 â€“ The Treaty of Fort Laramie with the Cheyenne and Arapahoe was concluded.

William Earl Smith died on May 10, 1918, in South Deerfield, Franklin County, Massachusetts, and was buried in the Brookside Cemetery there. He was a Corporal with Company B who was with the pack train and was wounded during the hilltop fight.

Charles Henry Bishop was born in Washington, D.C., on May 11, 1854. He was a Private with Company H who was wounded during the hilltop fight.

Francis Johnson Kennedy (left), who was also known as Francis Johnson, was born on May 12, 1854, in Pacific, Missouri. He was a Private in Company I who was with the pack train and participated in the hilltop fight.

Strikes the Bear (right), an Arikara Scout who was also known as Red Star, died on May 12, 1929, in Ree, North Dakota, and was buried in the Indian Scout Cemetery in McLean County, North Dakota. His gravestone states he died on May 12, but other sources state he died on June 7, 1929.

Jacob Adams (left) died in Vincennes, Knox County, Indiana, on May 13, 1934, and was buried in Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery there. He was a Private with Company H who was with the pack train and participated in the hilltop fight.

This Week in Little Bighorn History

James Harrison Smith (left) was born on April 9, 1848, in Madison, Indiana. He was a Private in Company G and one of three James Smiths in the Seventh Cavalry at the time. He was the only one of the three who was not present at the battle because he enlisted in the Seventh on June 20 and was en route to join his comrades. The other two who shared his name were killed with Custer’s Column and are buried on Last Stand Hill.

Morris Mason Farrar died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 9, 1899, and was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery in Yeadon, Pennsylvania. He was a Private in Company E who participated in the hilltop fight.

William Gavin Capes (left) died on April 10, 1900, in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and was buried in the Allegheny Cemetery there. He was a Sergeant in Company M who was not present at the battle due to detached service at Powder River, Montana.

Henry W. B. Mechlin (right) died on April 10, 1926, in Washington, D.C., and was buried in the Soldiers’ Home Cemetery there. He was a blacksmith in Company H who participated in the hilltop fight. He was later awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions there.

William E. Robinson was born on April 12, 1842, in County Down, Ireland. He was a Private in Company M who participated in the valley and hilltop fights during the battle.

Andrew Knecht was born on April 12, 1853, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was a Private in Company F who was killed with Custer’s Column.

Henry M. Brinkerhoff (left) was born in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on April 12, 1854. He was a Private in Company G who participated in the valley and hilltop fights.

Daniel Alexander Kanipe (right) married Missouri Ann Wycoff Bobo on April 12, 1877. She was the widow of Lemuel Edwin Bobo who was killed in the battle. Kanipe was a Sergeant in Company C who was with Custer’s Column and in the hilltop fight.

Edwin Butler Wight married Alia E. Roberts on April 12, 1906. He was a Private in Company B who was not present at the battle due to detached service at Powder River, Montana.

John McShane died at Fort Abraham Lincoln, Dakota Territory, on April 13, 1877. He was originally buried in the Post Cemetery there and later reinterred in the Custer National Cemetery in Montana. He was a Private in Company I who was with the pack train and participated in the hilltop fight.

Joseph H. Green died on April 13, 1922, in Washington, D.C., and was buried in the Soldiers’ Home Cemetery there. He was a Private in Company D who participated in the hilltop fight.

Patrick Carey was born on April 14, 1828, in Tipperary, Ireland. He was a Sergeant in Company M who participated in the valley and hilltop fights.

John Dolan (left), who was also known as Thomas Brown, was born in Dublin, Ireland, on April 14, 1843. He was a Private in Company M who was not present at the battle due to detached service on the steamer Far West.

John W. Sweeney died in Kentucky on April 14, 1884. He was a Private in Company F who participated in the hilltop fight.

Daniel Alexander Kanipe ( see photo above) was born on April 15, 1853, in Marion, North Carolina. He was a Sergeant in Company C who was with Custer’s Column and in the hilltop fight.

Robert George Rowland died near the Cannonball River, North Dakota, around April 15, 1879, of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound in his head and was buried in the Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk, Lee County, Iowa. He was a Private in Company G who was not present at the battle due to detached service at the Powder River Depot.

This Week in Little Bighorn History

Otto Emil Voit (left) was born on February 5, 1845, in Baden, Germany. He was a Saddler for Company H who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the hilltop fight, during which he was wounded.

James Harrison Smith (left) died on February 5, 1927, in Chicago, Illinois, and was buried in Elm Lawn Memorial Park in Elmhurst, DuPage County, Illinois. He was a Private in Company G who was enroute to the battle, so he did not participate.

Otto Arndt died at The Presidio in San Francisco on February 6, 1917, and was buried in the National Cemetery there. He was in the Band and on detached service at the Powder River Depot during the battle.

William Alexander died in Washington, D.C., on February 6, 1922, and was buried in the Soldiers’ Home National Cemetery there. He was a Packer for the Quartermaster and was with the pack track and in the hilltop fight.

John L. Crowley, who enlisted in the Seventh Cavalry as John Duggan, was born on February 7, 1849, in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. He was a Private in Company L who was killed with Custer’s column and buried on Last Stand Hill.

William A. Losee was born in Brewster Station, New York, on February 7, 1852. He was a Private in Company F who was killed with Custer’s column. He was buried on Last Stand Hill, where he is listed as W. A. Lossee. There is also a memorial marker for him in the Old Methodist Cemetery in Brewster, Putnam County, New York.

John G. Kimm died on February 7, 1909, at the Soldiers Home in Johnson City, Tennessee, and he was buried in the Mountain Home National Cemetery there. He was a Private in Company E who was with the pack track and in the hilltop fight.

John J. Keefe was born in County Kerry, Ireland, on February 8, 1855. He was a Private in Company B who was on detached service at Powder River, Montana, at the time of the battle.

John J. Keller died on February 8, 1913, in Butte, Montana, and was buried in Resurrection Cemetery in Helena, Montana. He was a Private in Company D who participated in the hilltop fight.

Benjamin C. Criswell (left) was born in Marshall County, West Virginia, on February 9, 1849. He was a Sergeant in Company B who was awarded the Medal of Honor on October 5, 1878, for his actions during the hilltop fight where he was wounded.

Weston Harrington was born on February 9, 1855, in Alton, Franklin County, Ohio. He was a Private in Company L who was killed with Custer’s column and buried on Last Stand Hill. There is also a memorial marker for him in the Alton Cemetery in his hometown.

George Armstrong Custer and Elizabeth Bacon were married by Rev. Dr. Boyd at the First Presbyterian Church in Monroe, Michigan, on February 9, 1864. Their wedding was reenacted in Monroe on October 6, 2019.

James Franklin Barsantee was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on February 10, 1853. He was a Private in Company B who was with the pack track and in the hilltop fight during the battle.

William Sadler was born on February 10, 1855, in Frankfurt, Germany. He was a Private in Company D who was not present at the battle due to detached service at Powder River.

Cassius R. Carter died of asphyxiation on February 10, 1896, at the Palmer House in Chicago, Illinois, and was buried in the Oak Woods Cemetery in that city. He was the Trumpeter for Company G who was not present at the battle because he was the Acting Chief Trumpeter for Fort Abraham Lincoln, Dakota Territory, in June 1876.

Stanislas Roy (left) died of cancer at Columbus Barracks, Ohio, on February 10, 1913, and was buried in the Green Lawn Cemetery in Columbus, Ohio. He was a Corporal in Company A who participated in the valley and hilltop fights and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions.

Jeremiah Campbell was born on February 11, 1844, in Sangamon County, Illinois. He was a Sergeant in Company K who participated in the hilltop fight.

Christian Schlafer died in Cincinnati, Ohio, on February 11, 1905, of bronchial pneumonia. He was buried in the Walnut Hills Cemetery in Cincinnati. He was a Private in Company K who participated in the hilltop fight.

This Week in Little Bighorn History

Happy New Year!

George Kelley was born on January 1, 1847, in New York, New York. He was a Private in Company H who was not present at the Battle of the Little Bighorn because he was detailed to General Terry’s column.

Morris Cain married May Roberts in Miles City, Montana, on January 2, 1881. He was a Private in Company M who participated in the valley and hilltop fights during the battle.

Julius Gunther committed suicide on January 2, 1902, in Rock Island, Illinois, and was buried in the National Cemetery there. He was a Private in Company K who was not present at the battle due to illness.

Franklin Rankin, who was also known as Edward Clyde, was a Corporal in Company F who was not present at the battle due to detached service at Powder River. He died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head on January 3, 1895, at Columbus Barracks, Ohio, and was buried in Green Lawn Cemetery in Columbus.

Carl August Bruns was on detached service at the time of the battle. He died in Mandan, North Dakota, on January 4, 1910, and was buried in the Mandan Union Cemetery.

William M. Smith, a corporal in Company B, was with the pack train and in the hilltop fight where he was wounded. He died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on January 4, 1921, and his ashes were buried in the Wenonah Cemetery in Wenonah, New Jersey.

John Pahl (left) was born on January 5, 1850, in Bavaria, Germany. He was a Sergeant in Company H who was wounded in the hilltop fight during the battle. See also 7th Cavalry Troopers in South Dakota.

George Walter Yates (right) married Lucretia Beaumont Irwin on January 5, 1865. They divorced on January 31, 1867, in St. Louis, Missouri. Yates was the Captain in Company F who commanded a battalion and was killed with Custer’s Column.

John Frett was born on January 6, 1840, in Prussia Germany. He was a Packer with the Quartermaster unit who was with the pack train and participated in the hilltop fight.

Max Hoehn (left), a Private in Company L, stayed with the regimental papers at Powder River, so he did not participate in the battle. He died of heart problems on January 6, 1911, in Sturgis, South Dakota, and was buried in St. Aloysius Cemetery there. See also 7th Cavalry Troopers in South Dakota.

Frederick William Benteen (left) was Captain of Company H and commanded a battalion during the battle. He performed scouting duty and participated in the hilltop fight, during which he was wounded. He married Catherine Louise Norman on January 7, 1862, in St. Louis, Missouri.

This Week in Little Bighorn History

Edward Settle Godfrey (left) was born on October 9, 1843, in Kalida, Ohio. He was a First Lieutenant in command of Company K during scouting and the hilltop fight at the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

P. Henry Bishley was born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 9, 1846. He was a Private in Company H who was wounded during the hilltop fight.

Adam Wetzel was born on October 9, 1846, in St. Louis, Missouri. He was a Corporal with Company B who was with the pack train and participated in the hilltop fight.

Hairy Moccasin (left) died in Lodge Grass, Big Horn County, Montana, on October 9, 1922, and was buried in Saint Ann’s Cemetery there two days later. He was a scout who rode with Custer’s Column and participated in the hilltop fight.

Frank Berwald (right) died on October 9, 1936, in Highland Falls, New York, and was buried in the Sacred Heart Cemetery there. He was a Private with Company E who was with the pack train and participated in the hilltop fight.

Moses Eaton Flint was born on October 10, 1819, in Richford, Vermont. He was a Packer for the Quartermaster unit who was with the pack train during the battle and participated in the hilltop fight.

George Anson Merritt (left) was born in Stonington, Connecticut, on October 10, 1840. He was a Private in the band that stayed behind, so he was not in the battle.

Algernon Emory Smith (right) married Nettie B. Bowen on October 10, 1867. He was a First Lieutenant in command of Company E who was killed with Custer’s Column.

Christopher Criddle was born on October 11, 1845, in New Canton, Buckingham County, Virginia. He was a Private in Company C who was killed with Custer’s Column during the battle.

Harry McBratney died on October 12, 1892, near Mandan, North Dakota, and was buried in the Mandan Union Cemetery. He was a Packer with the pack train who participated in the hilltop fight.

Dennis Lynch (left) died on October 13, 1933, in Washington, D.C., and was buried in the Soldiers’ Home National Cemetery there. He was a Private in Company F who was not present at the battle because he was guarding Custer’s luggage on the steamer Far West.

Henry William Bigler Mechlin (right) was born in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, on October 14, 1851. He was a blacksmith for Company H who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the hilltop fight.

George Weaver (left) died on October 14, 1886, at Fort Meade, Dakota Territory, and was buried in the National Cemetery there. He was a Private in Company M who participated in the valley and hilltop fights.

John Ryan (right) died in West Newton, Massachusetts, on October 14, 1926, and was buried in the Calvary Cemetery and Mausoleum in Waltham, Massachusetts. He was the First Sergeant for Company M who was in the valley and hilltop fights.

William James Bailey (left) died on October 14, 1933, in St. Cloud, Florida, and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. He was a Scout who was on the steamer Far West, so he was not present at the battle.

 Benjamin Beck was born on October 15, 1852, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was a Private in the Band, so he was on detached service at the Powder River depot.

Frederick Deetline (left) was awarded the Medal of Honor on October 15, 1878, for his actions during the battle.

This Week in Little Bighorn History

Lansing A. Moore (left) was born on September 12, 1854, in Hoboken, New Jersey. He was a Private with Company F who was with the pack train and participated in the hilltop fight during the battle.

Franklin Webster Sniffin was born in New York City on September 12, 1857. He was a Private in Company M who participated in the valley and hilltop fights.

Peter Eixenberger (right) died of a heart attack on September 12, 1917, in Sykes, Montana, and was buried in the St. Aloysius Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota. He was with the band, so he was on detached service at the time of the battle. See also 7th Cavalry Troopers in South Dakota.

Jan Mollar, who was also known as James Moller, was born in Orsle, Denmark, on September 13, 1849. He was a Private in Company H who was wounded during the hilltop fight.

Nathan T. Brown died on September 13, 1877, at Canyon Creek, Montana Territory, during a battle with the Nez Perce. He was originally buried at Fort Assinniboine, Montana Territory, and was reinterred in the Custer National Cemetery on Crow Agency in Montana.

Emil Taube (left) married Mary Adams on September 13, 1882. He was a Private in Company K who was not present at the battle due to detached service at Powder River, Montana.

Joseph C. Bates committed suicide in Sturgis, South Dakota, on September 13, 1893, and was buried in the Bear Butte Cemetery there. He was a Private in Company M who participated in the valley and hilltop fights. See also 7th Cavalry Troopers in South Dakota.

Richard P. Hanley (right) died on September 13, 1923, in Boston, Massachusetts, and was buried in the Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden, Massachusetts. He was a Sergeant with Company C who was with the pack train and in the hilltop fight. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the battle.

Hobart Ryder died in Wheeling, West Virginia, sometime after September 14, 1893. He was a Private in Company M who served as a hospital orderly for Dr. Porter and participated in the valley and hilltop fights.

Isaac Fowler (left) was born on September 15, 1844, in Darke County, Ohio. He was a Private with Company C who was with the pack train and in the hilltop fight.

Thomas O’Brien died of typhoid fever at Fort Buford, Dakota Territory, on September 15, 1876. He was initially buried in the Post Cemetery there and was later reinterred in the Custer National Cemetery, Crow Agency, Montana.

Henry Charles Weihe was born on September 16, 1847, in Saxony, Germany. He was a Sergeant in Company M who participated in the valley fight and was wounded during the hilltop fight. See also 7th Cavalry Troopers in South Dakota.

Algernon Emory Smith (left) was born on September 17, 1842, in Newport, New York. He was a First Lieutenant in command of Company E who died with Custer’s Column.

The Treaty of Fort Laramie was concluded on September 17, 1851. The Senate made certain amendments that required the assent of the Tribes, but the assent was not obtained. Two Court of Claims cases held that the treaty was legal and binding on the United States.

James Montgomery Bell (left) died in Hermosa Beach, California, on September 17, 1919, and was buried in the San Francisco National Cemetery (The Presidio). He was a First Lieutenant of Company D who was on leave at the time of the battle.

This Week in Little Bighorn History

James Wilbur Darcy, who was also known as James Wilber, was born on August 2, 1849, in Laurel, Maryland. He was a Private in Company M who participated in the valley and hilltop fights during the Battle of the Little Bighorn. He was wounded in his left leg on June 26, 1876.

Jacob Hetler (left) was born in Mansfield, Ohio, on August 2, 1852 (gravestone has 1851). He was a Private in Company D who was wounded during the hilltop fight.

Alexander Downing (right) died on August 2, 1884, in Newton Township, Miami County, Ohio, and was buried in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery there. He was a Private in Company F who was not present at the battle due to detached service at Fort Lincoln.

Charles W. Campbell died in Fort Bayard, New Mexico, on August 2, 1906. He was a Private in Company G who was with the pack train and was wounded in his right shoulder during the hilltop fight. According to his descendants, he wanted his remains to be shipped to Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, and placed in a vault. No record of his remains being in Illinois could be found.

William Earl Smith was born on August 3, 1853, in Rouses Point, New York. He was a Private in Company D who participated in the hilltop fight.

James Akers died in Washington, D.C., on August 3, 1881, and was buried in the Soldiers’ Home National Cemetery there. He was a Corporal in Company G who participated in the valley and hilltop fights.

Charles Stillman Ilsley (left) was born on August 4, 1836, in Maine. He was a Captain for Company E who was not present at the battle due to detached service at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

Thomas Murray died at the Soldiers’ Home in Washington, D.C., on August 4, 1888, and was buried in the National Cemetery there. He was a Sergeant with Company B who was with the pack train and participated in the hilltop fight where he was wounded. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his efforts to bring up the pack train and distribute rations during the battle.

Gabriel Guessbacher died on August 4, 1916, in Warwick, North Dakota, and was buried there in the Warwick Cemetery. He was a Private in Company I who was not present at the battle due to detached service at Powder River, Montana. According to The Bismarck Tribune, he later claimed to be “one of the few who escaped the Custer massacre.”

James M. Rooney (left) died on August 5, 1918, in Yankton, South Dakota, and was buried in the State Hospital Cemetery there. He was a Private with Company F who was with the pack train and participated in the hilltop fight.

Henry Nicholaus Peter Witt died in Santa Monica, California, on August 5, 1929. He was a Private for Company K who was not present due to detached service at the Powder River, Montana.

Cornelius Cowley died on August 6, 1908, in Washington, D.C., at the Government Hospital for the Insane (now St. Elizabeth’s Hospital) and was buried in St. Patrick Cemetery in Lowell, Middlesex County, Massachusetts as Cornelius Cawley on August 10, 1908. He was a Private in Company A who participated in the valley and hilltop fights.

This Week in Little Bighorn History

Charles Sanders was born on May 8, 1842, in Altenberg, Germany. He was a Private in Company D who served as the Orderly for Lt. Winfield Scott Edgerly and participated in the hilltop fight during the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

Edward Garlick (left) was born in Chertsey, England, on May 8, 1846. He was the First Sergeant for Company G who was on furlough at the time of the battle.

Jeremiah Campbell died on May 8, 1884, in Decatur, Illinois, and was buried in Westside Cemetery in Moweaqua, Shelby County, Illinois. He was a Sergeant in Company K who participated in the hilltop fight.

Thomas Wellesley Causby (left) was born on May 9, 1848, in Liverpool, England. He was the Staff Quartermaster Sergeant, but he was not present at the battle due to detached service at Powder River, Montana.

May 9, 1887 â€“ Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show opened in London.

Jasper Rudolph Marshall died in Pleasant Hill, Ohio, on May 9, 1920, and was buried in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. He was a Private with Company L who was with the pack train and participated in the hilltop fight.

May 10, 1868 â€“ The Treaty of Fort Laramie with the Cheyenne and Arapahoe was concluded.

William Earl Smith died on May 10, 1918, in South Deerfield, Franklin County, Massachusetts, and was buried in the Brookside Cemetery there. He was a Corporal with Company B who was with the pack train and was wounded during the hilltop fight.

Charles Henry Bishop was born in Washington, D.C., on May 11, 1854. He was a Private with Company H who was wounded during the hilltop fight.

Francis Johnson Kennedy (left), who was also known as Francis Johnson, was born on May 12, 1854, in Pacific, Missouri. He was a Private in Company I who was with the pack train and participated in the hilltop fight.

Strikes the Bear (right), an Arikara Scout who was also known as Red Star, died on May 12, 1929, in Ree, North Dakota, and was buried in the Indian Scout Cemetery in McLean County, North Dakota. His gravestone states he died on May 12, but other sources state he died on June 7, 1929.

Jacob Adams (left) died in Vincennes, Knox County, Indiana, on May 13, 1934, and was buried in Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery there. He was a Private with Company H who was with the pack train and participated in the hilltop fight.

Charles Banks died on May 14, 1901, in Highland Falls, New York, and was buried in the United States Military Academy Post Cemetery at West Point. He was a Private in Company L who was with the pack train and participated in the hilltop fight.

Andrew Connor died on May 14, 1911, at the Government Hospital for the Insane in Washington, D.C. and was buried at the Soldiers’ Home National Cemetery there. He was a Private in Company A who participated in the valley and hilltop fights.