Germany-born George Wehle, a resident of Wyanet, Illinois, enlisted on September 1, 1861, in Company D, 7th Kansas Cavalry at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The regiment was organized in September and October 1861, and mustered into service on October 28, 1861. Initially assigned to western Missouri, the 7th, known as “Jennison’s Jayhawkers,” became infamous for depredations against civilians, and was ordered east of the Mississippi.

The regiment fought in the battles of Iuka and Corinth and in various operations in Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama before being ordered back to the west side of the Mississippi. The 7th then helped pursue General Sterling Price during his 1864 raid into Missouri, and fought at the Little Blue River, Independence, Byram’s Ford, and Mine Creek.

Wehle was promoted to corporal on January 12, 1863, and to sergeant on January 1, 1864; he mustered out with the regiment on September 29, 1865. He died on February 3, 1913, in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Carte-de-Visite by Unknown Photographer.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 31853