This is my Great Grandfather Alfred E. Cressler: B 45th Illinois Inf. He was from Jo Daviss County Illinois. He joined in 1861 when the 45th was formed and was mustered out July 12, 1865 in Tennessee. Is there anyone in this group that has a soldier associated with the 45th? Alfred’s name is inscribed on a plaque inside the Illinois Memorial at Vicksburg but the spelling is wrong. The inscription reads Alfred Creesler. I can’t change that so will go on from there.

Alfred E. Cressler, who was born in Illinois and his being a member of Co B, 45th Illinois Infantry. He joined in June 1861 and trained at Camp Douglass. He then left with his unit from Chiro, Ill down the Mississippi and saw his first real action at Shiloh Church. He was a very tall, large man and became a wagon master; taking care of the wagons and horses. He became quite an expert as a ‘veterinary’ and learned the moods and ailments of the animals.

Alfred was with US Grant in several of the battles of the Army of the Tennessee. His unit help dig under the caves at Andersonville and the helped blow up inside the fort at Andersonville. The 45th led the victory parade over the confederates.

After Grant left to lead the Army of the Potomac in the East……Alfred was with Sherman on the March to the Sea and the taking of Atlanta. The 45th marched into Goldsboro and fought a schrimish there….when they heard that Lee had surrendered the Army of Virginia at Appomattox Courthouse in April 1865. They marched to Washington DC and marched in the Grand Parade. He was discharged on April 12, 1865 in Tennessee. B 45th Infantry had marched 2500 miles in two months but took the train to Tennessee for discharge.

Submitted by his great-granddaughter, Judy Brown.