Born
on the 8th of June1832 in Springfield, Illinois,
Richard Montgomery Pilcher was the son of Ezekiel
Pilcher and Louisa (Ballard) and twin of Joseph
Warren Pilcher. They were the first sons born,
their older sisters being Mary Jane born in 1829
and Caroline born in 1830. In all Richard's
mother would have ten children including another
set of twins (Edward & Eleanor) born in 1843.
Richard
"Mont" enlisted during the Civil War
with the 40th Missouri Infantry Volunteers, and
served from Sept 1st 1864 to August 8th 1865. He
was 5'11", dark complexion, black hair and
hazel eyes. (see discharge papers below).
This
regiment was organized at Benton Barracks,
Missouri from Aug 11 to Sep 8th of 1864 and was
attached to the District of St. Louis. Their
movements during this time were as follows:
Mexico, MO., Oct 20, 1864, Expedition against
Paris, MO., Oct 23-30. Moved to Paducah, KY., Nov
7-10, thence to Nashville, TN., Nov 22-26. To
Columbia Nov 26. Battle of Franklin, TN Nov 30.
Battle of Nashville, TN, Dec 15-16. Pursuit of
Hood to the Tennessee River Dec 17-28. Moved to
Eastport, MS and duty there until Feb 3, 1865.
Then moved to Vicksburg, MS, and thence to New
Orleans, LA, Feb 3-21. Moved to Lakeport, Mobile
Bay, AL, thence to Dauphin Island, arriving there
March 3rd. Campaign against Mobile and its
defenses March 17-April 12. Siege of Spanish Fort
and Fort Blakely Mar 26-Apr 8. Assault and
capture of Fort Blakely April 9th. March to
Montgomery, AL, April 12-25, and duty there until
August. Mustered out August 8, 1865.
This
regiment lost 68 enlisted men, 10 killed and
mortally wounded, and 58 by disease.
Source of Data:
"A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion,
V.III" by Frederick H. Dyer, c1908,
p.1336-1337
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