1880: 1349 State Street, Chicago, Illinois with his wife Clara and 30-year-old laundress Octava Baty
1863: Detroit, Michigan (military enlistment)
Military Service
During the Civil War, he served as a Private in Company E of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry of the Union Army, the first regiment in the United States made up entirely of enlisted men of color. He was about 21 years old, single and working as a seaman when he enlisted on 4 April 1863 from Detroit, Michigan. Mustered out 20 August 1865 with his regiment.[1]
Not 100% sure the census record is him, which is also where his Kentucky birthplace is currently from. Going off of his presence in Chicago after the war, his age and his race to try to identify him. Hopefully further research will clarify.
Possible census match?
Year: 1870; Census Place: Louisville Ward 10, Jefferson, Kentucky; Roll: M593_475; Page: 281B; Family History Library Film: 545974
Josheway Gibson / b. abt. 1844 Kentucky / Black / Store porter / m. Jane
Fold3.com. Free Access Civil War Records 1-15 April 2018. 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Company Remarks.
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