Joseph Birtley Wright, a minister and native of Randolph County, Missouri, was a resident of Pettis County when he enlisted in the Confederate army on January 1, 1862, in Springfield, Missouri. He served as a private in Company G, 5th Missouri Infantry and participated in several actions, then was promoted to chaplain of the 1st Missouri Cavalry in 1863. In 1864, he is listed in official records as chaplain of General Francis M. Cockrell’s First Missouri Brigade.

“Lizzie accept this as a token of esteem and fidelity from J. B. Wright” is written on the back of the photograph. No further information is available on the identity of Lizzie.

The 1st Missouri Cavalry was organized on December 30, 1861, with the majority of its members transferring from the Missouri State Guard. They fought at Pea Ridge and Vicksburg, where they surrendered on July 4, 1863; in September 1863 they were considered exchanged and re-entered the Confederate army by consolidating with the 3rd Missouri Cavalry.

Carte-de-Visite by Ben Oppenheimer, Mobile, Ala.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 11462