Thomas Downing

Thomas Downing enlisted in Company D on February 2, 1864 at Romulus, and was mustered into service on the same day. His brother Richard Downing was one of the original members of that company, having enlisted on August 12, 1862.

Thomas volunteered to serve for three years. He was older than most recruits at 33; his motivations for enlisting are unknown. Thomas joined the Regiment at its winter quarters near Culpepper, Virginia on March 9, 1864. The brothers served together through the terrible campaign of the spring and summer, including the battles of the Wilderness and Spottsylvania. During the assault on the Petersburg fortifications on June 18, 1864, Richard Downing was killed.

Thomas, along with the rest Regiment, participated in Lincoln's funeral. He mustered out with the Regiment at Detroit on June 30, 1865.

He is buried in the Romulus, Michigan cemetery.

Descendants: Larry Morris lmorris@livingonline.com