He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (10). He was 18 years old when he was enlisted (10).
He was 5 feet 9 (?) inches tall, and had a dark complexion, blue eyes, and black hair (10).
He was enlisted mustered into service on 23 September 1861 (1, 10, 12). He was enlisted for three years, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (10). He served in company H (1). He had gun number 67 (10).
He was reported missing in action on 7 May 1863 (6).
On 10 September 1863, he was either at Camp Parole, or Convalescent Camp, Alexandria, Virginia (2).
On 6 October 1863, he returned from hospital (8).
He reenlisted as a veteran volunteer (1).
On 3 July 1864, he and four other men in company H asked their captain, James Closson, to be transferred to a newly forming battalion of sharpshooters (3). Closson passed their request on to the regimental adjutant (3), but none were transferred.
On 5 November 1864, he was promoted to second corporal, effective 3 November 1864, replacing John Goodwin (5, 9).
He was promoted on 1 May 1865 to fourth sergeant (1, 9). On 31 May 1865, he was promoted to sergeant, effective 31 May (5).
On 15 June 1865, he went on a furlough, which expired on 30 June 1865 (7).
He mustered out on 10 July 1865 with his company (1, 12).
On 15 June 1894, he applied unsuccessfully from Pennsylvania for a pension (11, 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 letter, Sinex to Adjutant General, 10 September 1863
3 letters, Fraley et al. to Closson, and Closson to Tayman, 3 and 4 July 1864 (John Somers)
4 special order 104, HQ 91st PA, 5 November 1864 (John Sommer)
5 special order 31, HQ 91st PA, 31 May 1865
6 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 7 May 1863 (Private Sommers)
7 enlisted men's furloughs (Summers)
8 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 6 October 1863 (Pri Somers)
9 company H, list of non-commissioned officers (John Sommers [2 entries])
10 company H, descriptive roll, #14 (John Sommers)
11 pension index, by name (John Sommers)
12 pension index, by regiment, 91st PA Infantry, company H (John Sommers)