Civil war veteran, Sargeant. GAR. Served with the Michigan 4th cavalry regiment, Company L. Enlisted on July 28, 1862 in Monterey, Allegan, Michigan. He was discharged as a Sargeant on 1 July, 1865 at Nashville, Tn. The Co L., 4th Michigan was known as the regiment that captured Jeff Davis, the president of the Confederacy. Gurdin was with the Michigan 4th his entire military enlistment, serving as a scout.
Service:
Jan 31, 1863 Promoted from Private to Corporal.
Mar-Apr, 1863 Absent on detached service on order of Major General Stanley.
April, 1863 Absent detached service by order of General Stanley.
July 28, 1863 Promoted to Sergeant to date 1 Sept, 1862 by B.D. Pritchard
Sept. 1, 1863 promoted Sergeant 2.
Nov-Dec, 1863 On detached service by order of Col. Lowe.
Dec 1863 to Feb 1864 Absent detached service with Major Robbins Dec 1, 1863.
Jan-Feb 1864 On detached service by order of Col. Lowe.
March 1864 Absent detached with wagon train March 6, 1865
March 1864 Absent detached with Capt. Totten, March 27, 1864.
July 1864 Absent at Marietta, Ga. July 26, 1864.
Sept-Oct, 1864 On detached service to Nashville, Tenn.

Husband of Destemona Eva Wilson, father of Sherman, Eda, Etta, and Elice. Youngest son of Reynolds and Abby Coombs Kenyon, brother of Deborah, Abby, Thomas, Ursula, Job, David, Dewitt, Stephen, Francis, and Sarah. Gurdin's military records describe him as being 5ft 8in, blue eyes, dark hair and a light complexion. Kenyon ID #111197

Obituary
"Gurdin N. Kenyon was born in the State of New York, April 26, 1836, and departed this life in Ventura County, Ca., Nov. 15, 1898, aged 62 years, 6 months and 19 days.
In early manhood, he emigrated to the State of Michigan, where in the year 1858 he was married to Miss Desdemonia Wilson, his now bereaved companion. Unto them was born four children, all of whom, save little Sherman, still survive him.
In the dark days of 1862, when our Nation was in peril, he bade adieu to his little family and buckling on the sword in defense of the Union, he marched away with the gallant 4th Michigan Calvary under the Stars and Stripes, and side by side with his comrades, he bravely fought until the bloody conflict was ended and peace was restored. He had the honor of being one of that noble company who captured Jefferson Davis. When the war was over, he returned to his home in Michigan and 24 years ago, with his family, came to California. Early in the year 1898, while living in Los Angeles, he was attached by la grippe, which developed into pneumonia, causing pulmonary trouble from which he could get no permanent relief and returning a few months ago to the home of his son-in-law, Mr. Geo. Hails, he lingered in great pain, which he endured patiently, calmly awaiting the end. All that loving hands could do was gladly done for him and when the end came it found him ready.
Brother Kenyon was a kind father, a devoted husband, a good neighbor, a brave soldier, and a faithful Christian, being for many years a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Having served his generation well and faithfully, he has answered the call of his Commander-in-Chief, "Come up higher," and sweetly fell asleep in Jesus.
His funeral discourse was preached at the home of Mr. Hails amid a large company of his relatives, neighbors and friends, who gathered to pay the last tribute of respect to one who was universally loved and respected by all who knew him. There were 50 teams in the procession which followed his remains to the cemetery.
It was his last request that his funeral sermon be preached by his pastor, after which his comrades of the
G.A.R. should take charge of the remains and that he be buried with military honors, all of which was carefully carried out. Thus another of our grand old veterans has been promoted and a brother called home and we may joyfully sing:
"Soldier of Christ, well done!
Rejoice thy warfare's past
The battle's fought, the victory won,
and thou art crowned at last."
A.M. Ogborn"
From the Ventura County newspaper, Nov., 1898

"Resolution of Respect
Whereas, our comrade and friend, Gurdon N. Kenyon has been mustered out: therefore be it
Resolved. That we his comrades deplore his death. That we knew him while among us a devout friend and Christian, loyal to his country, a kind father, a loving husband and true to every trust in reposed in him.
That his career as a soldier distinguished him among his comrades.
That his last days were filled with anguish and pain, all of which he bore heroically and uncomplainingly.
That we have lost one of our most worthy comrades.
That as our tears are mingled with theirs, we tender to his bereaved wife and children our kindest sympathy.
That we cause our Post Chapter and flag to be draped in morning for 30 days to his memory.
That these resolutions be published and copied and placed on file on the Post record and a copy sent to the family.
E.P. Warner
Frank Hobart
W.H.A. Thompson
Committee"

"Kenyon, Near Hueneme, Nov. 15, 1898, Gurdin N. Kenyon. Deceased, was a native of New York and died aged 62 years, 6 months and 19 days."

From an original newspaper clippings.

Photos are from my family archive. Please do not use without permission. Thanks to Chris for adding them for me.
My Greatgreatgrandfather.
Nancy