The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Col. John E. Gurley-- Part 2: Lived in Illinois and Wisconsin. Commanded Co. C in the 33rd Wisconsin

 From Find a Grave.

John Gurley was born in Illinois and received his early education in the town of Elizabeth in Jo Daviess County in the northwestern  part of the state near Galena (where U.S Grant lived.)

 He then attended district schools in Wisconsin and finished at Lombard University in Galesburg, Illinois. (Which no longer is in operation.)

After graduating, he took up the study of law  in the office of M. Hollister in Shullsburgh, Wisconsin, and was admitted to the bar in 1862 in that state.

In August of 1862, he enlisted a company of men who mustered into duty October 18, 1862, as Company C of the 33rd Wisconsin.  They left for the field of duty the following month and joined General Sherman's Army of the Tennessee and took part in Grant's move on  Jackson, Mississippi, and fought at Coldwater and other places.

On the night of the 4th of June 1863, before Vicksburg,  an impetuous  attack was made upon Confederate rifle pits near Halls Ferry Road led by Co. C, under Gurley and Co. K under Lt. Shea.    This caused the enemy to flea into their main works.

--Old Secesh


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