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John B. Hovland

15th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry
The Scandinavian Regiment

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Name at EnlistJohn B. Hovland
Birth NameJohannes Børresen Hovland
Other NamesJohannes Børresen Hovland, John Hoveland
Livedca. 1842/1843 - 07 Mar 1862
Birth PlaceSaksumdal, Faaberg, Oppland
Birth CountryNorway
Resident of Muster-InOconomowoc, Waukesha County, WI
Company at EnlistmentD
Rank at EnlistmentCorporal
Muster Date01 Jan 1862
Cause of Deathphthisis and bronchitis
Death LocationSt. Louis, MO
Burial LocationJefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St Louis, MO, section 37, grave 81
MotherChristine Johansdtr Traaseth
FatherBørre Christensen Hovland
Father Lived1818-
Immigration1849

John B. Hovland was enlisted in Company D of the 15th WI at Oconomowoc, Waukesha County, WI on November 11, 1861 for a 3-year term of service. The men of the company called themselves the Norway Wolf Hunters. John was appointed to the rank of Corporal (Korporal) on January 1, 1862. Corporal Hovland was mustered into Federal service at that rank on February 13, 1862 at Camp Randall near Madison, Dane County, WI. At the time he was listed as being 19 years old and not married. His residence was recorded as Oconomowoc, WI.

After several months at Camp Randall learning to be a soldier, Corporal Hovland left there on March 2, 1862, with his company and regiment to join the war. On March 4, 1862, he was admitted to Pacific General Hospital in St. Louis, MO. The regiment then proceeded south down the Mississippi River and he never rejoined it again. At the hospital Private Hovland was treated for “phthisis and bronchitis” but passed away from them on March 7, 1862. At the time of his death the Army recorded that he was 5 feet 11 inches tall and possessed $1.00 in cash and personal effects worth $1.50.

 

Sources: Genealogical data from Ola Morken; Civil War Compiled Military Service Records, Office of Adjutant General of the United States (Washington, DC); Det Femtende Regiment, Wisconsin Frivillige [The Fifteenth Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers], Ole A. Buslett (Decorah, Iowa, 1894); Roster of Wisconsin Volunteers, War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865, Volume I, Office of the Adjutant General State of Wisconsin (Madison, Wisconsin, 1886).