John Wesley Minor was born on July 14, 1845 in Greene County, Missouri. The son of Augustin W. Minor and Elizabeth Trantham both, from North Carolina.

     John was not the only Minor family member to serve in the Civil War. His father, Augustin W. Minor, served as a Cpl. in Company E. 8th Missouri Cavalry. His twin brother, William H. Minor, served in Company E. 8th Missouri Cavalry and died from disease on August 9, 1864 at Duvalls Bluff, Arkansas. His older brother, Franklin A. Minor, served with the 16th Missouri Cavalry and was also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic Post 225 at Marshfield, Missouri.

     John W. Minor mustered into Company "B", 14th Missouri State Militia Cavalry on March 15, 1862 at the age of sixteen. He served in the 14th MSM until transferred to the 4th Missouri State Militia Cavalry. John mustered out of service on March 14, 1865.

     Following the Civil War, John W. Minor served once again, this time in the U.S. Regular Army. On February 21, 1867, John reenlisted for an additional five years in the 3rd Regiment United States Cavalry. He was discharged as Corporal on February 21, 1872 at Ft. McPherson, Nebraska.

     John traveled throughout the west during the remainder his life. In July of 1902, John was killed under suspicious circumstance in the city of Rock Springs, Wyoming. At the time of his death, John was working for the railroad. John W. Minor now rests in one of the many unmarked graves in the Mt.View section of the Rock Springs Municipal Cemetery.

Roster Record's

Researcher of Private John Wesley Minor.
Mike Moore

Member:
General W.S. Rosecrans Camp #2, Los Angeles

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