View source for Thomas Atcheson

Thomas Atcheson’s first  enlistment in the U.S. Army dates from [[7 January 1858]] when he was assigned to the [[1st Cavalry]]. During the Civil War he served in Battery D,  2nd Heavy Artillery, 112th Pennsylvania Volunteers, reputedly the Union’s largest regiment. Promoted to corporal, 1 April 1864; to sergeant, 1 September 1864; mustered out with Battery, 29 January 1866 at City Point, Virginia.

His third enlistment, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was on [[21 August 1866]] and he joined Company F, [[7th Cavalry]] at the newly-formed regiment’s headquarters on [[10 September 1866]]. Promoted to corporal 17 September 1866; back to private 17 December 1866; in confinement December 1866; corporal 1 May 1867; back to private 22 January 1868; corporal again May 1869; sergeant 10 May 1871; discharged Meridian, Mississipp1 21 August 1871; re-enlisted 21 August 1871; reduced to private 1 October 1873; sick 11 December to 18 January 1876 (acute rheumatism).   

Atcheson had hazel eyes, dark hair, a dark complexion, and was 5′ 5 1/4″ tall.

He was killed with Custer’s column but his body not identified

Listed as THOS. ATCHESON on the battle monument.

Final Statement of Thomas Atchison (sic) signed by Captain [[James M. Bell]], Commanding Company, at Fort Abercrombie 17 December 1876.

     DUE SOLDIER
     For five years’ continuous service under sec. 2, act August 4, 1854 … 2.00 per mth
     For retained pay under act of May 15, 1872 … $40.83
     For clothing not drawn in kind … $97.65
     For deposits with the USA Paymaster August 5, 1875 … $8.50
     
    DUE UNITED STATES
    For tobacco … $1.71
    To Mrs James, laundress of Company E … $4.00
    This statement does not take into account basic pay due for the period May 1 to June 25, 1876.