Frederick Cole originally enlisted in the 13th Illinois Infantry, but transferred to Company E of Wood’s Missouri Cavalry Battalion to fill a lieutenant’s vacancy. He joined Company K of the 6th Missouri Cavalry on January 1, 1862, when the battalion was merged with the 6th Missouri; he was officially mustered into that unit on February 15, 1862, at Rolla, Missouri.

Cole’s service record shows he was absent from his company in May and June 1862 due to a wound received in action; however, none of his service record cards indicate he was ever wounded. Cole was discharged on November 25, 1862, due to chronic hepatitis.

Carte-de-Visite by J. Carbutt, Chicago, Ill.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 31529