Edward Killian (Kilian) enlisted on November 15, 1862, and was mustered into Company A, 17th Missouri Infantry on December 1, 1862, as a private. On September 10, 1863, he was promoted to sergeant major and assigned to the regimental non-commissioned staff.

The 17th Missouri Infantry was organized in St. Louis by the German-American “Turner” Society in August 1861 and was known as the Western Turner Rifles. The 17th fought in numerous battles, including Pea Ridge, Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, the siege of Vicksburg, Lookout Mountain, and Missionary Ridge. The regiment also participated in the Atlanta campaign and Sherman’s “March to the Sea.”

Killian was mustered out with the regiment on September 27, 1864.

Carte-de-Visite by Unknown Photographer.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 11575