Last month we left off with Christian in Nashville where he learned the news of President Lincoln's assassination. Furthermore, I was awaiting Christian's army service records from the National Archive, which did arrive, so I will attempt to weave the two previous posts together with what I now know about Private Hiller's actual movements during this time frame.
Much better scan of previously posted photo of Christian G. Hiller, circa 1864.
Four months after Christian's enlistment, on June 5, 1864, he was admitted to the hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Company Muster Roll reveals that he was marked as "absent" for a portion of May/June Roll and all of July/August Roll. The hospital bed card found with his service records indicates that Christian was admitted to Jefferson General Hospital in Jeffersonville, Indiana July 9, 1864 with typhoid fever as a transfer from Nashville Hospital No. 3. There are no records showing his transfer from Chattanooga to Nashville, however.
Jefferson General Hospital. Christian was in Ward 15, Bed 18 while recuperating with typhoid fever.
Private Hiller recovered and returned to service on August 30, 1864 and recorded as "present" for the next year. On August 20, 1865 he was granted a 30 day furlough which brought him right up to his muster-out date of September 15, 1865.
Looking back on the first two posts, this would mean Christian was absent during most of the Atlanta Campaign. Since the muster rolls do not indicate the location of his return, Atlanta, Chattanooga or Nashville would all be likely possibilities. Eventually, however, all roads led to Nashville with this regiment where he would have been by the end of March, 1865, just two weeks before President Lincoln's assassination. Christian choose to spend his furlough, mentioned above, in Michigan and was given train passage of $11.58. His last service pay date is listed as April 30, 1865 yet he remained on active duty until September 15, 1865, his official muster-out date. Apparently this was quite common although while researching I have not found a reason, so far.
Located in Jackson, Michigan on Wildwood Street, known as Territorial Road during the Civil War.
This brings us to Camp Blair one of only a few rendezvous points and discharging stations in Michigan, located Jackson. What a surprise to learn my great grandfather mustered out of a military camp in my current hometown! Any remnants of the Camp are long gone, torn down shortly after the war ended. An historical sign was dedicated at the location on 22 July, 2007 and is the only hint of the property's significance. Christian was present at Camp Blair on September 28, 1865 and according to his Detachment Muster-Out Roll he owed the United States Government $ 13.86 toward his clothing account, his Bounty Pay was $180 and he was due $120 (see additional information below regarding soldier pay). Also, included below are the complete service records of Private Hiller obtained from the National Archives.
Camp Blair, circa April 1865.
Delving into my great-great-grandfather's Civil War record and being able to share his story with you has been a privilege. Undoubtedly, you've learned more about the Michigan 9th and their influence on The War of the Rebellion. Of larger importance, to me, however is that Christian's story has been retold after long forgotten.
