Edward Blackburn enlisted on July 12, 1861, in the 1st Northeast Missouri Home Guard Regiment, and fought at the Battle of Athens. He was promoted to first lieutenant on January 21, 1862, and mustered into Company G, 21st Missouri Infantry on February 1, 1862. He was promoted to captain on December 29, 1862, and to major on September 30, 1865, and was assigned to the regimental staff.

The 21st Missouri Infantry fought in numerous battles, including Shiloh, Corinth, Pleasant Hill, Tupelo, and Nashville.

Blackburn mustered out with the regiment on April 19, 1866.

Carte-de-Visite by Unknown Photographer

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 11625