Willis Freeman enlisted as a private in Company A, 14th Missouri Cavalry, on October 15, 1861, at Jefferson City, Missouri. On February 4, 1863, the 14th Missouri Cavalry was disbanded and its soldiers transferred to the 4th Missouri Cavalry.

The 14th Missouri Cavalry saw action in the 1862 battles of Newtonia and Prairie Grove; the 4th Missouri Cavalry was involved in operations in Tennessee and Mississippi, including the Battle of Brice’s Cross Roads, before being sent back across the Mississippi to take part in opposing Confederate General Sterling Price’s 1864 raid through Missouri.

Freeman was promoted to second lieutenant in December 1864 and was mustered out with his regiment on March 3, 1865.

Carte-de-Visite by Unknown Photographer.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 11775