Cpl. John Davis served in the United States Civil War. Enlisted: 29 Apr 1863 Mustered out: 20 Aug 1865 Side: USA Regiment(s): Co. H, 54th Mass. Inf.
John H. Davis was born about 1841 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.[1][2] He served with the famous 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry during the American Civil War.
He stood about 5 feet and 10 inches tall with light skin, brown eyes, and black hair when he enlisted in 1863.[1][3]
Occupations
1863: Waiter
Residences
1863: Chicago, Illinois (military enlistment)
Military Service
During the Civil War, he served as a Corporal in Company H of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, the second[4] regiment in the United States made up entirely of enlisted men of color. He was about 22 years old, single and working as a waiter when he enlisted on 29 April 1863 from Chicago, Illinois. He was wounded in action on 16 July 1863 on James Island in South Carolina in a skirmish two days before the Second Battle of Fort Wagner.[5]
He was promoted to Corporal on 1 July 1865 and mustered out 20 August 1865 with his regiment.[1]
Research Notes
There are several John Davises who served in either the 54th or 55th Massachusetts:
John E. Davis of Company D, 54th MA and Company A, 55th
↑ and the first with federal recognition; the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry regiment was against the wishes of the Secretary of War and filled only six companies, but did see action a full year before the 54th
National Archives. Catalog #577134.Regimental and Company Books of Civil War Volunteer Union Organizations, compiled 1861 - 1865.Fold3.com. Company Descriptive Books, Co H-K.
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Jno Davis, mulatto, b. abt. 1843 Louisiana, porter living with Jas age 32 and Eliza age 38