2nd U.S. Sharpshooters

anson64

Cadet
Joined
Mar 21, 2025
Hi everyone,

I recently joined the site in hopes of learning more about a relative who served as one of Berdan's Sharpshooters in the Civil War.

His name is Anson Jillson, and he served with Company F from New Hampshire. He was killed at Laurel Hill on May 8, 1864. Before becoming a Sharpshooter, he served with the Second New Hampshire Infantry, and was discharged with disability after being wounded at Bull Run.

I've found photos and some information of his three other brothers who also fought in the War: Silas F. Jillson (25th Massachusetts, Company I), Almon L. Jillson (14th NH Infantry, Company G), and Milton N. Jillson (27th Massachusetts, Company B). I'd love to find a photo of Anson, or learn more about his individual service at Gettysburg or Antietam (2nd U.S.S.S. Company F was supposedly at both battles).

I saw one thread where someone posted a few photos from their Berdan's Sharpshooters collection, which were amazing. I know it's a long shot, but I thought I'd reach out on here and see if anyone may have a hidden treasure. Of course, if there's any info or photos out there about any of the four brothers mentioned here, I'd be so grateful. Digging through war records and books has certainly turned into quite the project, but I've done some really fascinating reading over the last couple months!

Thanks so much!
😊
 
Hi everyone,

I recently joined the site in hopes of learning more about a relative who served as one of Berdan's Sharpshooters in the Civil War.

His name is Anson Jillson, and he served with Company F from New Hampshire. He was killed at Laurel Hill on May 8, 1864. Before becoming a Sharpshooter, he served with the Second New Hampshire Infantry, and was discharged with disability after being wounded at Bull Run.

I've found photos and some information of his three other brothers who also fought in the War: Silas F. Jillson (25th Massachusetts, Company I), Almon L. Jillson (14th NH Infantry, Company G), and Milton N. Jillson (27th Massachusetts, Company B). I'd love to find a photo of Anson, or learn more about his individual service at Gettysburg or Antietam (2nd U.S.S.S. Company F was supposedly at both battles).

I saw one thread where someone posted a few photos from their Berdan's Sharpshooters collection, which were amazing. I know it's a long shot, but I thought I'd reach out on here and see if anyone may have a hidden treasure. Of course, if there's any info or photos out there about any of the four brothers mentioned here, I'd be so grateful. Digging through war records and books has certainly turned into quite the project, but I've done some really fascinating reading over the last couple months!

Thanks so much!
😊
Welcome!

Anson R. Jillson
Residence Swanzey, NH; 21 years old.
Enlisted on 5/22/1861 as a Priv.

On 5/22/1861, he mustered into "A" Co. New Hampshire 2nd Infantry.
He was disch disability on 7/29/1861 at Washington, DC

On 11/26/1861, he mustered into "F" Co. US Volunteers 2nd Sharp Shooters.
He re-enlisted on 1/5/1864.
He was Killed on 5/8/1864 at Laurel Hill, VA
(Killed on duty with NH 1st L Bttry.)

Register of Soldiers and Sailors of New Hampshire 1861-65
 
Hi everyone,

I recently joined the site in hopes of learning more about a relative who served as one of Berdan's Sharpshooters in the Civil War.

His name is Anson Jillson, and he served with Company F from New Hampshire. He was killed at Laurel Hill on May 8, 1864. Before becoming a Sharpshooter, he served with the Second New Hampshire Infantry, and was discharged with disability after being wounded at Bull Run.

I've found photos and some information of his three other brothers who also fought in the War: Silas F. Jillson (25th Massachusetts, Company I), Almon L. Jillson (14th NH Infantry, Company G), and Milton N. Jillson (27th Massachusetts, Company B). I'd love to find a photo of Anson, or learn more about his individual service at Gettysburg or Antietam (2nd U.S.S.S. Company F was supposedly at both battles).

I saw one thread where someone posted a few photos from their Berdan's Sharpshooters collection, which were amazing. I know it's a long shot, but I thought I'd reach out on here and see if anyone may have a hidden treasure. Of course, if there's any info or photos out there about any of the four brothers mentioned here, I'd be so grateful. Digging through war records and books has certainly turned into quite the project, but I've done some really fascinating reading over the last couple months!

Thanks so much!
😊
Welcome, enjoy
 
https://www.amazon.com/Sergeant-Com...-1861-1865/dp/093552326X?tag=civilwartalkc-20

You would want to have the above book, which is a diary of another member of Anson's company. Unfortunately, there's no pdf version online...

Title: The Civil War Diary of Wyman S. White, First Sergeant, Company F, 2nd United States Sharpshooters

As per https://usgennet.org/usa/nh/topic/civilwar/second_company_sharpshooters.htm this site, Anson is mentioned in the book.
Thanks so much. I found this at the Historical Society this weekend. Was hoping he was mentioned in there, but unfortunately not.
 
Thanks so much. I found this at the Historical Society this weekend. Was hoping he was mentioned in there, but unfortunately not.
Still a good resource. The book is fairly detailed, at least you can get an idea of what it was like to be a member of co. F. Good luck in your ongoing research.
 
Check the link below. Also, see page 420.
Thank you! This is actually how this all started. I found a first edition of this book while cleaning out my parents' bookshelf over the holidays. Now I am obsessed with the family's Civil War history. I never expected a mysterious book to take me on such a journey. 🙃
 
Still a good resource. The book is fairly detailed, at least you can get an idea of what it was like to be a member of co. F. Good luck in your ongoing research.
Thank you! It is a fascinating read for sure. I was well into Augustus Buell's 'The Cannoneer' as well, as my relative's name was mentioned in a few anecdotal stories (e.g. a company minstrel troupe, an incident involving an overturned sutler's wagon, and his death at Laurel Hill). Then I discovered Buell was apparently a literary fraud. I have no idea if those personal accounts are true or fabricated. Disappointing for sure.
 

Learn About Us
About CivilWarTalk
Contact the Webmaster
Meet the Staff
Link to CivilWarTalk
Join Our Community
Register
Browse Forums
View Today's Discussions
Search the Forum
Get Help
FAQ
Student Guide
Forum Rules & Etiquette
Copyright / DMCA

     Contact Us CivilwarTalk on Facebook CivilWarTalk on YouTube CivilWarTalk on Twitter RSS Feed

Bringing the American Civil War and More to Life.
© 1999 - , CIVILWARTALK, LLC - Site Version 10.0

SlaveryTalk.com - SecessionTalk.com - CivilWarTalk.com - ReconstructionTalk.com
Back
Top