George Riley

George Riley enlisted in Company H on August 11, 1862 at Detroit. He was mustered into service on August 13th. He was 24 years old. His brother Richard enlisted with him. Before the war, George had lived in the community of Greenfield and worked as a carpenter.

In the confusion of the action in the Wilderness on May 5, 1864 George found himself surrounded by confederates and was taken prisoner. Like most POWs he was not treated well. For a time he was held in Andersonville prison. Presumably he was able to find his brother who was being held at Andersonville. Although George was exchanged, he died of starvation on the steamer George Leary off Hilton Head South Carolina on November 23, 1864.

The location of his grave is not known. He may have been buried at sea.

Another brother, John Riley, seems to have enlisted in the Regiment in the fall of 1864.

Descendant: Dean Letzring LETZRINGD@aol.com