Captain John G. Busch was mustered into Co E of the 16th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry in July of 1863. His residence was St. Louis, Missouri but he came across state borders to join mainly a Chicago regiment. Bushc was discharged in May of 1865, being among the lucky ones.

During it's total service, the Regiment covered about 5,000 miles while engaged in 31 battles and skirmishes with a total casualty list of almost 1,000.

The backmark is Schoo & Crouch of St. Louis, Missouri and Captain Busch apparently signed his photo while he was there.