The 44th Iowa was a short-term regiment created on 1 June 1864 for a hundred days service. These "Hundred Days Men" generally served in guard posts in the rear to free up more veteran troops for combat duty. The 44th was mustered into service in Davenport, Iowa and served in the Memphis area. The were mustered out of service on 15 September 1864.
While they didn't share in the glory of the front-line regiments, they made their share of sacrifices. Two died in combat and 15 died of disease.
Often I crop the frames of these images so that you can get a closer look at the person. This time I left it. Ornate frames are quite common in Civil War photos. Their families obviously treasured these images.
Fifteen died of diseases? Scary.
ReplyDeleteSadly that was all too typical. Medicine was primitive and conditions poor.
DeleteThe Civil War has a wealth of intriguing info to share and a million stories left untold. It always fascinates me. I once visited a cemetery in the heart of Dallas.
ReplyDeleteA stone throw away from city hall rests a cemetery that I visited as I actually stumbled upon. As I looked at the gravestones, I noticed there were a lot of fascinating epitaphs. Very cool visit!