He was 20 years old when he enlisted (3 [21 in 1863?], 8 [20]). He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (3, 8).
He was a shoemaker (3, 8). He was living in Philadelphia when he was enrolled (8).
He was 5 feet 3/4 inches tall, had a light complexion, blue eyes, and light hair (3 [5'3/4"], 8 [5'6"]).
He was enrolled and mustered into service as a private in company K on 7 October 1861, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1, 8 [co K]).
He was transferred on 24 December 1861 to company E (1, 9).
He fought in the battle of Gettysburg (6).
He re-enlisted for three years as a veteran volunteer, at Bealton, Virginia, on 24 December 1863 (1, 3, 8 [26 Dec]). He was enlisted by Lieutenant Carpenter, and mustered into service by Lieutenant Swann (3).
He was promoted on 22 October 1864 to corporal, for soldierly conduct in a battle, or for bravery in the field (1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 10).
On 26 January 1865, company E published resolutions mourning the death of sixteen comrades, and sympathizing with their families (11). He was on the committee (11).
On 15 June 1865, he began a furlough, which expired on 30 June 1865 (7).
On 16 June 1865, he was promoted to sergeant effective 1 June 1865 (1, 5, 8).
He returned from his furlough on 1 July 1865 (7).
He mustered out on 10 July 1865 with his company (1, 8).
He died on 8 September 1894 (12).
On 27 March 1896, his widow successfully applied for a pension (12).
1 Bates, Samuel Penniman. History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5. Harrisburg: B. Singerly, state printer, 1869-71. 5 volumes. 'Ninety-first regiment', volume 3, pages 186-233. (In the roster)
2 list of non-commissioned officers, company E
3 descriptive roll, company E, entry 87 (John H Fenn)
4 special order 101, headquarters, 91st Pennsylvania Infantry, 22 October 1864
5 special order 36, headquarters, 91st Pennsylvania Infantry, 16 June 1865 (John Fenn)
6 Pennsylvania Memorial, 91st Pennsylvania plaque, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (John H Fenn)
7 enlisted men's furloughs (John H Fenn)
8 Civil War Veterans' Card File, available at the Pennsylvania State Archives, searched 6 May 2004 (John H Fenn)
9 company K, list of men transferred, #4 (John H Fenn)
10 consolidated morning report, 91st Pennsylvania, 23 October 1864 (Privt Fenn [?])
11 'Headquarters company E', Philadelphia Inquirer 26 January 1865 page 5 (John H Fenn)
12 pension index, by regiment, 91st PA Infantry, company E (John H Fenn)