US Soldier killed at the Battle of the Little Big Horn. Sgt James enlisted into the army at Chicago, IL on February 5, 1872. He was described as 5'9", light hair, brown eyes with a light complexion. His civilian occupation was coachman. On February 26, 1872, James reported for duty at Unionville, SC. He was assigned to Company E, 7th US Cavalry Regiment. Company E was known as the Gray Horse Troop, because of the gray horses they rode. His daily duties were hospital attendant. On January 27, 1875, James was promoted to corporal. His duties were changed to overseer of post stables. On March 3, 1876, he was promoted to sergeant. At the Battle of the Little Bighorn Company E was attached to LTC George Armstrong Custer's battalion. James was killed sometime during the fighting. Two days after the battle most of Company E were found in an area between the Little Bighorn River and Last Stand Hill. James' unidentified remains were likely first buried where they had been found. In 1881 all known battlefield burials were moved to a mass grave on Last Stand Hill. Later battlefield archeological excavations appear to support warrior accounts that Company E had briefly conducted a well organized and hard fought rear guard action until they were overwhelmed and wiped out.
US Soldier killed at the Battle of the Little Big Horn. Sgt James enlisted into the army at Chicago, IL on February 5, 1872. He was described as 5'9", light hair, brown eyes with a light complexion. His civilian occupation was coachman. On February 26, 1872, James reported for duty at Unionville, SC. He was assigned to Company E, 7th US Cavalry Regiment. Company E was known as the Gray Horse Troop, because of the gray horses they rode. His daily duties were hospital attendant. On January 27, 1875, James was promoted to corporal. His duties were changed to overseer of post stables. On March 3, 1876, he was promoted to sergeant. At the Battle of the Little Bighorn Company E was attached to LTC George Armstrong Custer's battalion. James was killed sometime during the fighting. Two days after the battle most of Company E were found in an area between the Little Bighorn River and Last Stand Hill. James' unidentified remains were likely first buried where they had been found. In 1881 all known battlefield burials were moved to a mass grave on Last Stand Hill. Later battlefield archeological excavations appear to support warrior accounts that Company E had briefly conducted a well organized and hard fought rear guard action until they were overwhelmed and wiped out.
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