CDV – 1st Lieutenant Thomas Russell 8th Massachusetts Infantry

Description

Thomas Russell, from Gloucester, Mass, was a 30 year old cordwainer when he enlisted in April of 1861, being commissioned a 1st lieutenant of Co. G., 8th Massachusetts Volunteer Miliitia.  He was mustered out at Boston after 3 months service on August 1, 1861. His regiment was raised principally in the North Shore of Mass, and was one of the first 4 regiments to answer President Lincoln’s first call for troops at the beginning of the war.

In December of 1861, Russell again enlisted as a captain in the 23rd Mass Infantry, and mustered out in October of 1864.  He died on 12 /8 1862 by disease at New Berne, NC. He achieved the rank of captain.