August Gloeser enlisted as a private in Company H, 1st Northeast Missouri Home Guard Infantry on July 15, 1861, and was promoted to first sergeant that October. In February 1862 the 1st and 2nd Northeast Missouri Regiments were consolidated to form the 21st Missouri Infantry, and Gloeser became a member of the new regiment’s Company A. He was promoted to first lieutenant that July.

The 21st Missouri Infantry saw action at Shiloh, Iuka, Corinth, Pleasant Hill, Tupelo, Nashville, and Fort Blakely.

Gloeser resigned his commission on April 24, 1864. He died on September 29, 1920 in Canton, Missouri.

Carte-de-Visite by Unknown Photographer.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 11626