James Winfield Staples

He enrolled at age 24 on 2 December 1861 in New York City to serve 3 years; mustered in as Private, Company A, 78th New York Infantry on 24 April 1862 and promoted Sergeant-Major, same date.

He took command of Company I after the death of Captain Mitchell on on 17 September 1862 at Antietam. He was commissioned Captain 7 November to date from the battle.

He resigned and was discharged 10 April 1863 at 12th Corps Headquarters, Stafford Court House, VA.

He moved to San Fransisco, CA and was active in the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR). He had also been a Colonel in the California National Guard.

Basic information from State of New York1 and his death notice in the Oakland Tribune of 26 December 1890. Details from a bio sketch (and a fine post-war photo) of him from the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. Commissioned Captain, 7 November 1862, with rank from 17 September 1862, vice P. M . T. Mitchell, killed in action.

07/14/1838; New Bedford, MA

12/23/1890; Oakland, CA; burial in Mountain View Cemetery, Oakland, CA