Henry W. Steele (on left) mustered into Company A, 5th Kansas Cavalry on July 16, 1861, as a
corporal.
John T. Wasson (on right) was mustered into Company A on the same day, also as a corporal.
The 5th Kansas Cavalry was organized at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; the unit saw service in
Missouri and Arkansas, including the 1863 battles of Helena and Pine Bluff. After Steele and
Wasson left the regiment, the 5th was involved in pursuing General Sterling Price during his
1864 raid into Missouri, and fought at Lexington, Little Blue River, Independence, Byram’s
Ford, Westport, Marais des Cygnes, Mine Creek, Marmiton River, and Newtonia.
Steele and Wasson were mustered out on August 11, 1864, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
Tintype by Unknown Photographer.
Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 32055