James Love began the Civil War as a private in Company D, 5th U.S. Reserve Corps. He was mustered into that unit as a sergeant on May 11, 1861, in St. Louis, and was mustered out on August 31, 1861. The 5th U.S.R.C. served at Jefferson City, Boonville, Lexington, and at other points on the Missouri River before being mustered out.

Love was mustered into service again on October 10, 1861, in Company K, 8th Kansas Infantry and was promoted to first lieutenant and adjutant on November 17, 1862. He was promoted to captain on July 16, 1863.

The 8th Kansas Infantry was organized in August 1861; the regiment fought in the battles of Perryville, Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge, through the Atlanta campaign, and at the battles of Spring Hill, Franklin, and Nashville.

Love was mustered out of service on May 15, 1865. He died in St. Louis, Missouri, on December 27, 1905.

Carte-de-Visite by L.L. Prince, New Orleans, La.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 31696