Hierom and Charles Atchisson: Brothers in Arms in Wartime, Brothers in Life in Peacetime

Sgt. Hierom Atchisson was born in Hamilton County, Illinois, in 1834. He moved to California during the Gold Rush and mined for several years. He enlisted in Company I of the 4th California Infantry and was honorably discharged in Arizona on Oct. 31, 1864. He remained in Arizona for about five years, then returned to Illinois. After his first wife died, he returned to Arizona briefly, then went back to Illinois, where he was active in the GAR and Republican politics. Sgt. Atchisson died Dec. 11, 1910, in Illinois.

Capt. Charles Atchisson was born in Illinois in 1824. He was mustered in as the captain of Company I of the 4th California Infantry on Nov. 18, 1861. Company I was posted to Camp Sigel, Camp Union, Benicia Barracks, Drum Barracks and Ft. Mojave. Capt. Atchisson served primarily at Ft. Mojave, Arizona, and was mustered out in 1865, He returned to Mojave City, Arizona, where he served as postmaster and later became a probate judge in Mojave County. Capt. Atchisson died at his brother Hierom's home in Hamilton County, Illinois, on July 19, 1891. Photos from the Ed Atchisson Collection of the United States Army Military History Institute