He was in the 58th Illinois Vol. Infantry, Co. G (listed at your website under 58th Ill., Co. G (Consolidated) as Michael O'Brien instead of O'Brian. According to the Record and Pension Office, War Dept, report I have dated Nov. 25th, 1896, there were two Michael O'Brians that joined the 58th. The first joined in Dec 9, 1861, at age 44 yrs., but deserted on July 14, 1862 (having had enough following the Battle of Shiloh, I'm sure). My G-G-Grandfather, born in Vermont on Mar 23, 1830, moved to Illinois in 1846, joined the Army at age 34 on Mar, 17, 1865 (the day the photo was taken) and was mustered out on Mar 16, 1866 (also sometimes shown in documents as O'Brien). He is shown in most documents as holding the rank of Private, but in at least one other as Corporal. He was a farmer and a blacksmith and lived to the age of 79 yrs, 3 mo., 3 days, dying on June 26, 1910 in Hamilton, Ill and was buried in Burton, Ill.

Submitted by Tarry L. Shirkey