Muster Roll of the Washington Rifles

The Washington Rifles were assigned Company “D” of the 6th Pennsylvania Reserves,
and were primarily recruited from Franklin County, Pennsylvania.

NAME.RANK.MUSTER DATE.REMARKS.
Dixon, William DunlopCaptainApr. 24, 1861Promoted to Lt. Col., 6th Reserves, Sept. 12, 1863.
Davison, Joseph A.CaptainApr. 24, 1861Promoted from 1st Sgt. to 1st Lt., Aug. 1, 1862, to Capt., Sept. 19, 1863, to Bv. Maj. and Bv. Lt. Col., Mar. 13, 1865, mustered out with company, June 11, 1864. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “Davison, Joseph A.” states that he was on detached duty from Apr. 25, 1864 onward as the Brigade Inspector and continued to serve in this capacity at the time when Company D was mustered out of service.
Vance, DavidCaptainApr. 24, 1861Resigned, July 26, 1862. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “Vance, David” does not state the reason for his resignation. The record also states that he had been promoted to the rank of Capt. on Aug. 10, 1861.
Burgess, William1st LieutenantApr. 24, 1861Promoted from 2nd Lt. to 1st Lt., Sept. 19, 1863, to Bv. Capt., Mar. 13, 1865, mustered out with company, June 11, 1864.
Lesher, David F.1st SergeantApr. 24, 1861Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866 , the record for “Lesher, David F.” indicates that he entered Federal service with the rank of Private and was at unknown dates promoted to Cor. and then to 1st Sgt. The record also states that he was wounded on Dec. 13, 1862 and that he transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps on Sept. 1, 1863. Although not explicitly stated, the date of Dec. 13, 1862 suggests that he was wounded at Fredericksburg. It also appears that he returned to Company D in order to muster out with the company in June 1864. See also General Orders No. 307, Sept. 12, 1863
Boley, Henry1st SergeantApr. 24, 1861Transferred to 191st reg. P. V., May 31, 1864, Vet. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866 , the record for “Boley, Henry” indicates that he entered Federal service with the rank of Private and was at unknown dates promoted to Sgt. and then to 1st Sgt. The record also states that he re-enlisted on Dec. 24, 1863 at Nokesville, Va.
Hassler, Calvin M.SergeantApr. 24, 1861Commissioned 2nd Lt. but not mustered, Sept. 19, 1862, mustered out with company, June 11, 1864. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “Hassler, Calvin M.” indicates that he entered Federal service with the rank of Private and was at an unknown date promoted to Sgt.
Hart, John WilliamSergeantApr. 24, 1861Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866 , the record for “Hart, John W.” indicates that he entered Federal service with the rank of Private and was at unknown dates promoted to Cor. and then to Sgt.
Bessler, PhillipSergeantJuly 23, 1861Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “Bessor, Phillip” indicates that he entered Federal service with the rank of Cor. and was at an unknown date promoted to Sgt.

New information reveals this man’s name was “Philip Bessler”, who after his term of service with the 6th Reserves, was commissioned Lieutenant in Company K, 208th Pennsylvania Volunteers. In the later part of 1905, he is found living in Kearny, Nebraska and working in the Insurance Industry. Source: The National Tribune, 23 Nov 1905, pg. 5.
Lewis, John M.SergeantApr. 24, 1861Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “Lewis, John M.” indicates that he entered Federal service with the rank of Private and was at an unknown date promoted to Sgt. It also indicates that he was absent sick with an undisclosed illness as of Sept. 19, 1862. The record does not state whether or not he returned at some point to serve with the company prior to its being mustered out in June 1864.
Welsh, John P.SergeantApr. 24, 1861Wounded, in action, date and engagement unknown, discharged on Surgeon’s certificate, Nov. 27, 1863. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “Welsh, John P.” indicates that he entered Federal service with the rank of Sgt. and was at an unknown date promoted to 1st Sgt. It also discloses that he was absent wounded from Sept. 17, 1861 onward but does not identify the engagement. The date of Sept. 17, 1861 nevertheless suggests that he was wounded at Antietam.
Furley, Samuel K.SergeantApril 24, 1861Discharged on Surgeon’s certificate, Dec. 3, 1862. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866 , the record for “Furley, Samuel K.” indicates that he was left in a hospital in Washington on an undisclosed date. The reason for his hospitalization is also not stated.
Roush, J. LeviCorporalApril 24, 1861Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “Roush, J. Levi” indicates that he entered Federal service with the rank of Private and was at an unknown date promoted to Cor.
Jarrett, John H.CorporalApril 24, 1861Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “Jarrett, John H.” indicates that he entered Federal service with the rank of Private and was at an unknown date promoted to Cor. The record also indicates that for a period of time, he had been on detached service with the Ambulance Corps.
Hymans, John B.CorporalApr. 24, 1861Absent at muster out, in arrest. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “Hymans, John B.” is blank except for a cross-reference to the record for “Heymans, John B.” This second record confirms that he was absent in arrest as of Aug. 26, 1863 undergoing a sentence of general court martial. The record does not provide any details about the circumstances that led to the arrest and court martial.
Holkamb, WilliamCorporalApr. 24, 1861Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “Holkamb, William” indicates that he entered Federal service with the rank of Private and was at an unknown date promoted to Cor.
Burns, Simon H.CorporalApril 24, 1861Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “Burns, Simon H.” indicates that he entered Federal service with the rank of Private and was at an unknown date promoted to Cor. It further discloses that he was absent from the company with an undisclosed illness as of Aug. 22, 1862 and that he joined the Veteran Reserve Corps effective Sept. 17, 1863. He transferred out of the Veteran Reserve Corps and back to Company D in order to muster out.
Bessor, GeorgeCorporalApril 24, 1861Wounded in action, date and engagement unknown, discharged on Surgeon’s certificate, Jan. 22, 1863. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “Bessor, George” indicates that he entered Federal service with the rank of Private and was at an unknown date promoted to Cor. It does not identify the engagement during which he was wounded in action.
Hollar, Phineas B.CorporalApril 24, 1861Discharged on Surgeon’s certificate, Oct. 31, 1861.
McElwee, JohnCorporalApr. 24, 1861Transferred to 191st reg. P. V., May 31, 1864, Vet. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “M’Elwee, John” is blank except for a cross-reference to Company D, 191st reg. P. V. A hand-written record does exist for a “McElwee, John” who served with Company D of the 191st reg. P. V. However, its entire content is illegible.
Ritnour, William C.CorporalMarch 7, 1862Transferred to 191st reg. P. V., May 31, 1864. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “Ritnour, William C.” is blank except for the following cross-reference: “Refer to Reitner, William C. Co. “D” – 191st P. V.” A record under this name was not located but one, albeit blank, was found for a “Reitnour, William C.” of Company D, 191st P. V. This man may be the “Ritnour, William C.” of this roll.
Armstrong, J. W.PrivateApr. 24, 1861Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864.
Allison, Robert H.PrivateJul. 27, 1861Transferred, Nov. 23, 1862, to the 5th United States Artillery.
Barnett, JosephPrivateJuly 27, 1861Captured and taken prisoner, May 6, 1864, at the Wilderness, confined and died, Mar. 25, 1865, at Andersonville, Ga., grave 12,812.
Boettger, HenryPrivateApril 24, 1861Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864.
Barger, JohnPrivateApril 24, 1861Discharged on Surgeon’s certificate, Jan. 5, 1862.
Barnhill, Daniel A.PrivateApril 24, 1861Transferred, Nov. 17, 1862, to the 5th United States Cavalry.
Brindle, MalachiPrivateApril 24, 1861Discharged on Surgeon’s certificate, Jan. 3, 1863.
Brandthafer, GeorgePrivateMarch 7, 1862Discharged on Surgeon’s certificate, Jan. 7, 1863.
Bolin, Peter A.PrivateApr. 24, 1861Discharged on Surgeon’s certificate, Feb. 12, 1863.
Brumaugh, WilliamPrivateApr. 24, 1861Discharged, Mar. 24, 1863, for wounds received in action, date and engagement unknown. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “Brumaugh, William” states that he was absent wounded as of Dec. 13, 1862. Although it does not identify the engagement in which he was wounded, the date of Dec. 13, 1862 suggests that the engagement was Fredericksburg.
Barger, Thomas H.PrivateApril 24, 1861Killed, May 6, 1864, at the Wilderness.
Cick, AnthonyPrivateApr. 24, 1861Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864.
Crawford, WilliamPrivateApr. 24, 1861Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864.
Craig, William B. B.PrivateApril 24, 1861Discharged, Feb. 27, 1863, for wounds received in action, date and engagement unknown. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “Craig, William B. B.” indicates that he was absent wounded as of Dec. 13, 1862. Although it does not identify the engagement in which he was wounded, the date of Dec. 13, 1862 suggests that the engagement was Fredericksburg.
Cramer, JeremiahPrivateApril 24, 1861Transferred, Nov. 23, 1862, to the 5th United States Artillery.
Cell, JohnPrivateMarch 4, 1862Transferred to 191st reg. P. V., May 31, 1864.
Campbell, ThomasPrivateApril 24, 1861Killed, Sept. 14, 1862, at South Mountain.
Carney, RichardPrivateJuly 27, 1861Died, June 1, 1862, cause unknown, in the General Hospital, at Alexandria, Va. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “Carney, Richard” does not disclose the cause of death.
Deems, George H.PrivateApril 24, 1861Discharged on Surgeon’s certificate, Sept. 27, 1862.
Dunkle, JacobPrivateApr. 24, 1861Transferred to 191st reg. P. V., May 31, 1864, Vet.
Donithen, Alfred L.PrivateApril 24, 1861Discharged, Dec. 15, 1862, for wounds received in action, date and engagement unknown. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “Donitham, Alfred L.” includes a hand-written annotation to the remarks that identifies where he was wounded. However, the name of the location is illegible. Note: Alfred’s surname, according to Samuel P. Bates, was spelled “Donitham”, however Mr. John Schwenkler verified for us that it is actually spelled “Alfred L. Donithen”.
Ecker, Elias W.PrivateApril 24, 1861Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864.
Eichelberger, AugustPrivateApr. 24, 1861Deserted, Sept. 15, 1862, while on the march at South Mountain.
Earhart, Charles E.PrivateApril 24, 1861Deserted, Sept. 15, 1862, while on the march at South Mountain.
Fisher, Charles S.PrivateApril 24, 1861Discharged, May 12, 1863, for wounds received in action, date and engagement unknown. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “Fisher, Charles S.” states that he was absent wounded from Sept. 17, 1862 onward but does not identify the engagement. The date of Sept. 17, 1862 nevertheless suggests that he was wounded at Antietam.
Fogt, JohnPrivateJan. 6, 1864Transferred to 191st reg. P. V., May 31, 1864.
Fry, JohnPrivateApr. 24, 1861Killed, Sept. 14, 1862, at South Mountain.
Givler, William S.PrivateApril 24, 1861Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864.
Gold, AlbertPrivateJuly 27, 1861Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864.
Huff, Isaac T.PrivateJuly 23, 1861Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864.
Hoover, HiramPrivateApr. 24, 1861Discharged on Surgeon’s certificate, Nov. 16, 1862.
Huber, Amos D.PrivateMarch 7, 1862Discharged on Surgeon’s certificate, Jan. 31, 1863.
Harris, Thomas H.PrivateMar. 4, 1862Transferred to 191st reg. P. V., May 31, 1864, Vet.
Henninger, JacobPrivateMar. 14, 1862Transferred to 191st reg. P. V., May 31, 1864, Vet.
Hughes, ThomasPrivateApril 24, 1861Deserted, Aug. 16, 1862, from the Provost Guard, at Harrison ‘s Landing. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “Hughes, Thomas” is not clear about whether he was in the custody of the Provost Guard or a member of the Provost Guard at the time that he deserted.
Irvine, Andrew M.PrivateApr. 24, 1861Transferred to 191st reg. P. V., May 31, 1864, Vet.
Jenkins, Samuel C.PrivateApril 24, 1861Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864.
Kridler, William H.PrivateApril 24, 1861Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864.
Koerner, JohnPrivateApril 21, 1861Missing in action, May 5, 1864, at the Wilderness. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866 , the record for “Koerner, John” states that he went missing in action near Robinson’s Tavern, Va. and was presumed to have then been captured. The record does not include a discharge date.
Kissell, John W.PrivateMarch 10, 1862Transferred to 191st reg. P. V., May 31, 1864, Vet.
Kelly, William M.PrivateMar. 12, 1862Absent wounded as of Dec. 13, 1862, transferred, Aug. 1, 1863, to the Veteran Reserve Corps. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866 , the record for “Kelly, William M.” does not identify the engagement in which he was wounded but the date of Dec. 13, 1862 suggests Fredericksburg. The record also does not indicate when he was discharged from the Veteran Reserve Corps.
Kennedy, Cyrus E.PrivateJuly 23, 1861Deserted, Jan., 1863, at Belle Plain, Va. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “Kennedy, Cyrus E.” includes in its remarks the following: “On detached service in Easton Battery.”
Lewis, David J.PrivateApril 24, 1861Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864.
Little, EdmundPrivateApr. 24, 1861Killed, Nov. 27, 1863, at New Hope Church.
Murry, HenryPrivateApr. 24, 1861Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866 , the record for “Murrry, Henry” includes the following remark: “Entered State service as pvt. Pro. to Corp. 6-30-61 – to Sgt. Date unknown. Reduced to pvt. Date unknown.”
Margut, MatthiasPrivateJuly 23, 1861Missing in action, May 30, 1864, Bethesda Church, Va. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866 , the record for “Margut, Matthias” states that it was believed he had been captured at Bethesda Church. His ultimate fate is not disclosed in the record.
Miller, John A.PrivateApril 24, 1861Discharged, Feb. 8, 1864, for wounds received in action, date and engagement unknown. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “Miller, John A.” discloses that he entered Federal service with the rank of Musician but was at an unknown date reduced to the rank of Private. It also discloses that he was wounded on Dec. 13, 1862 but does not name the engagement. The date nevertheless suggests that the engagement at which he was wounded was Fredericksburg. The record also notes that the rolls give his middle name as “Amos.”
Mertz, AlexanderPrivateApr. 24, 1861Discharged, Feb. 8, 1864, for wounds received in action, date and engagement unknown. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “Mertz, Alexander” discloses that he had been wounded since Sept. 14, 1862 but does not name the engagement. The date nevertheless suggests that the engagement at which he was wounded was South Mountain.
Mullinnex, GeorgePrivateJuly 23, 1861Discharged, Dec. 19, 1862, for wounds received in action, date and engagement unknown. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “Mullinnex, George” does not identify the engagement in which he was wounded. It does note that the rolls have “Mullennex” as the surname’s spelling.
Mellon, Thomas B.PrivateJanuary 1, 1862Killed, Dec. 13, 1862, at Fredericksburg.
Monn, PeterPrivateApril 24, 1861Deserted, Aug. 17, 1861, at Tenallytown, D. C.
Minor, HenryPrivateApr. 24, 1861Deserted, Aug., 1862, at unknown location. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, no record for “Minor, Henry” was located on-line.
Moxom, PeterPrivateApr. 24, 1861Deserted, date unknown, at unknown location. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, no record for “Moxom, Peter” was located on-line.
M’Govern, OwenPrivateApr. 24, 1861Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “M’Govern, Owen” spells the surname as “McGovern.”
M’Namee, PatrickPrivateApril 24, 1861Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “M’Namee, Patrick” spells the surname as “McNamee.” It includes the following remark: “Absent sick since 9-6-62.” The record also gives the discharge date as June 11, 1864.
M’Laughlin, John H.PrivateApr. 24, 1861Killed, Sept. 14, 1862, at South Mountain. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866 , the record for “M’Laughlin, John H.” states that he was wounded in action on Sept. 14, 1862 at South Mountain and died of his wounds in Washington, D. C. The date of death is not disclosed. The record also spells the surname as “McLauglin.”
M’Kelvey, Benjamin F.PrivateApril 24, 1861Captured and taken prisoner, May 25, 1864, near North Anna River, Va., mustered out of service, Dec. 2, 1864. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “M’Kelvey, Benjamin F.” is blank except for a cross-reference to the record for “McKelvy, Franklin B.” This record includes the following remarks: “Captured at North Anna River 5-24-64. Released at Venus Point, Ga. 11-27-64. Discharged 3-2-65 to above date [Dec. 2, 1864].”
Naugle, George W.PrivateJuly 23, 1861Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864.
Nicholson, James A.PrivateApril 24, 1861Promoted, Aug. 1, 1864, to Principal Musician, 6th Reserves.
Nare, WilliamPrivateJun. 1, 1861Not on muster-out roll. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “Nare, William” contains the following remarks: “At home ruptured. Left Camp Curtin about 6-20-61. Never mustered into Federal Service.”
Owens, GeorgePrivateApril 24, 1861Missing in action, May 6, 1864, at the Wilderness.
Peters, Michael P.PrivateApril 24, 1861Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864.
Riegle, Jacob L.PrivateJuly 27, 1861Discharged, Feb. 28, 1863, for wounds received in action, date and engagement unknown. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “Riegle, Jacob L.” states that he was sick and absent from the company from Sept. 6, 1862 onward. It does not disclose the engagement in, or the date on, which he was wounded in action.
Rudolph, MartinPrivateApr. 24, 1861Transferred to 191st reg. P. V., May 31, 1864, Vet.
Sixeas, Thornton T.PrivateApr. 24, 1861Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864.
Shafer, HezekiahPrivateApril 24, 1861Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864.
Scott, Robert W.PrivateApril 24, 1861Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864.
Severs, FrancisPrivateApril 24, 1861Discharged on Surgeon’s certificate, Apr. 1, 1862.
Smith, Henry B.PrivateApril 24, 1861Discharged on Surgeon’s certificate, Mar. 25, 1862.
Six, JohnPrivateApril 24, 1861Transferred, Nov. 23, 1862, to the 5th United States Artillery.
Severs, FrancisPrivateFebruary 6, 1864Captured and taken prisoner, May 30, 1864, at Bethesda Church, transferred to 191st reg. P. V., May 31, 1864, Vet.
Savage, CharlesPrivateApr. 24, 1861Died, Apr. 22, 1862, cause unknown, at Catlett’s Station, Va. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “Savage, Charles” does not state the cause of death.
Shafer, JeremiahPrivateApril 24, 1861Died, Dec. 5, 1861, of typhoid fever, at Langley, Va.
Suders, GeorgePrivateApr. 24, 1861Deserted, date unknown, from Camp Biddle. Editor’s note: in the Pennsylvania State Archives Civil War Veterans Card File 1861-1866, the record for “Suders, George” notes that this man was never mustered into Federal service.
Taylor, RobertPrivateApr. 24, 1861Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864.
Trout, James M.PrivateApril 24, 1861Transferred, Nov. 23, 1862, to the 5th United States Artillery.
Thomas, Charles M.PrivateApril 24, 1861Transferred to 191st reg. P. V., May 31, 1864, Vet.
Trout, Upton D.PrivateMay. 4, 1862Transferred to 191st reg. P. V., May 31, 1864, Vet.
Vandyke, William R.PrivateApril 24, 1861Killed, Dec. 20, 1861, at Dranesville, Va.
Walker, George A.PrivateApril 24, 1861Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864.
Webb, JohnPrivateApril 24, 1861Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864.
Winlan, HenryPrivateFebruary 15, 1862Deserted, Sept. 23, 1862, from camp near Sharpsburg, Md.