John Hutchinson enlisted on February 10, 1863, as a private in Company K, 12th Missouri Cavalry; on March 7, 1863, he was appointed first sergeant, but on June 18, 1863, he was reduced to private. On October 1, 1864, Hutchinson was appointed corporal, and on February 1, 1865, to sergeant major of the regiment. On February 24, 1866, Hutchinson was promoted to second lieutenant, but was not mustered at the rank.

The 12th Missouri Cavalry fought in northern Mississippi and at the Battle of Nashville; after the war ended, the regiment was assigned to frontier duty and served in the Powder River Expedition against Native Americans in Nebraska.

Hutchinson mustered out with the regiment on April 9, 1866.

Carte-de-Visite by A.R. Butts, Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Mo.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 31650