Charles Bates Jr., from Grasshopper Falls (Valley Falls), Kansas, enlisted in the 11th Kansas Infantry on August 15, 1862; he was mustered into federal service on September 15, 1862. In late April 1863 the 11th Kansas Infantry was reorganized as the 11th Kansas Cavalry. The regiment saw action at the 1864 battles of Lexington, Little Blue River, Independence, Byram’s Ford, Westport, and Mine Creek.

Bates was promoted to corporal on January 20, 1865, and mustered out with the regiment on July 17, 1865, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He died on May 3, 1929, at Nortonville, Kansas.

Carte-de-Visite by S.M. Eby & Son, Kansas City, Mo.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 31708