John Thorp, a native of Ohio and a resident of Iola, Kansas, enlisted in the 3rd Kansas Infantry on July 24, 1861. In early 1862 the 3rd and 4th Kansas Infantry regiments, having failed to complete their organization, were consolidated to form the 10th Kansas Infantry.

After the organization of the 10th Kansas, Thorp was promoted to second lieutenant on March 10, 1863 and to first lieutenant on April 26, 1864, and was assigned to the new Company B.

The 10th fought at the battles of Newtonia, Prairie Grove, Franklin, Nashville, and Fort Blakely.

Thorp mustered out with his regiment on August 30, 1865.

Carte-de-Visite by Unknown Photographer

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 31836