US Soldier killed at the Battle of the Little Big Horn. Pvt St John enlisted into the U.S. Army on December 15, 1869, at Ft Leavenworth, KS. He was described as 5'9" tall, gray eyes, brown hair with a fair complexion. His civilian occupation was listed as farmer. He was assigned to Company C 7th U.S. Cavalry Regiment. On August 17, 1871, St John was promoted to corporal. On December 15, 1874, his enlistment expired at Ft Rice, Dakota Territory. He reenlisted with Company C for another five years. On May 8, 1875, St John deserted. On June 25, 1875, he surrendered at the Rock Island Arsenal, Ill. On November 20, 1875 a general court martial sentenced St John to two years of confinement at a military prison. The sentenced was commuted to 8 months confinement with his unit (C Company) at Ft Rice. When the 7th Cavalry was preparing for the campaign that would tragically end at the Little Bighorn River, St John pleaded that he would be disgraced and cowardly if he was behind. After promising to act with good character in the future, St John's sentence was suspended, and he was allowed to accompany his company. At the Battle of the Little Bighorn Company C was attached to LTC George A Custer's battalion. During the battle St John was killed. There were no reports that St John's remains were identified. Therefore, it is likely that his he was buried on the battlefield where his body was found. In 1881 all known battlefield burials were moved to a mass grave on Last Stand Hill.
US Soldier killed at the Battle of the Little Big Horn. Pvt St John enlisted into the U.S. Army on December 15, 1869, at Ft Leavenworth, KS. He was described as 5'9" tall, gray eyes, brown hair with a fair complexion. His civilian occupation was listed as farmer. He was assigned to Company C 7th U.S. Cavalry Regiment. On August 17, 1871, St John was promoted to corporal. On December 15, 1874, his enlistment expired at Ft Rice, Dakota Territory. He reenlisted with Company C for another five years. On May 8, 1875, St John deserted. On June 25, 1875, he surrendered at the Rock Island Arsenal, Ill. On November 20, 1875 a general court martial sentenced St John to two years of confinement at a military prison. The sentenced was commuted to 8 months confinement with his unit (C Company) at Ft Rice. When the 7th Cavalry was preparing for the campaign that would tragically end at the Little Bighorn River, St John pleaded that he would be disgraced and cowardly if he was behind. After promising to act with good character in the future, St John's sentence was suspended, and he was allowed to accompany his company. At the Battle of the Little Bighorn Company C was attached to LTC George A Custer's battalion. During the battle St John was killed. There were no reports that St John's remains were identified. Therefore, it is likely that his he was buried on the battlefield where his body was found. In 1881 all known battlefield burials were moved to a mass grave on Last Stand Hill.
Family Members
Advertisement
Records on Ancestry
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
