Abraham Ryan of Peoria, Illinois, was mustered into Company A, 17th Illinois Infantry as a first lieutenant in May 1861. Promoted to captain, Ryan mustered out of the 17th Illinois on February 10, 1864, having fought at Forts Henry and Donelson, Shiloh, and through the Vicksburg campaign.

On the day he mustered out of the 17th Illinois, Ryan enlisted in the 3rd Arkansas Cavalry at Little Rock, assuming command as the regiment’s colonel. The 3rd participated in General Frederick Steele’s Camden Expedition and in various operations against guerrillas in Arkansas. He was mustered out of the 3rd Arkansas on June 30, 1865.

Ryan died on December 29, 1904.

Carte-de-Visite by Unknown Photographer

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 31451