Andrew Gosnell, 1835 - 1896

31st Indiana Volunteer Infantry

About This Photo:

This photo of Andrew Gosnell's portrait was taken December 26th, 1997. The portrait is a 16" x 20" photo which hung on the wall of the Gosnell residence and the residence of his daughter (My Great Grandmother) Bertha Ann Gosnell Cummins. We are not sure if this was an enlargement of a smaller photo of him. The original picture frame has deteriorated and the portrait has broken into 3 major pieces and is crumbling. The portrait consists of a heavy photo board. The wooden backing broke in three pieces causing the same to occur in the portrait. On the back of the portrait written in cursive is "Mrs. Gosnell". Another unreadable name is on the back which we believe to be the Photographer or the business which may have enlarged it. It is most likely that this portrait was taken in 1861. I reason this since Andrew is a private in this portrait. He was promoted to Corporal in July of 862 and was engaged in line of Battle since the beginning of 1862.

What He is wearing:

Andrew is wearing a plain forage cap and a 9 button shell jacket. Stuffed in his belt are 2 revolvers. The one on his right (your left) appears to be a Remmington or similar model. The one on his left may be the same, but is not clear. Supported by his left hand is a model 1858 Enfield Saber-bayonet. Note the Saber-bayonet's distinctive shape indicative of the Enfield. Against his right is a model 1858 Enfield Rifle. Please note that there is a difference between the "Rifle" and the "Rifle-Musket" of 1853. The "Rifle" model is 5 inches shorter and has a lug to hold the Saber-bayonet. Both the Rifle and Rifle-Musket were .577 caliber. Also, the Rifle has 2 barrel bands whereas the Musket has 3. Below is an example of the 1858 Enfield Rifle. The "US" on the belt buckle is not clear in the portrait, but it is believed to be such a buckle. Attached to his belt is a standard "Cap pouch" and the sheath for the Saber-bayonet (it is just behind his left hand extending down). Across his left shoulder is the "Cartridge Box " belt with the box on his right below the waist belt.

Comments on Uniform and Arms of the 31st Indiana:

Few known photos exist of 31st Indiana Civil War enlisted men in their uniforms with arms. Based on other informatio

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FEATURES: CIVIL WAR UNITS: 31st Indiana Volunteer Infantry, USA [BACK] Andrew Gosnell, 1835 - 1896 31st Indiana Volunteer Infantry About This Photo: This photo of Andrew Gosnell's portrait was taken December 26th, 1997. The portrait is a 16" x 20" photo which hung on the wall of the Gosnell residence and the residence of his daughter (My Great Grandmother) Bertha Ann Gosnell Cummins. We are not sure if this was an enlargement of a smaller photo of him. The original picture frame has deteriorated and the portrait has broken into 3 major pieces and is crumbling. The portrait consists of a heavy photo board. The wooden backing broke in three pieces causing the same to occur in the portrait. On the back of the portrait written in cursive is "Mrs. Gosnell". Another unreadable name is on the back which we believe to be the Photographer or the business which may have enlarged it. It is most likely that this portrait was taken in 1861. I reason this since Andrew is a private in this portrait. He was promoted to Corporal in July of 862 and was engaged in line of Battle since the beginning of 1862. What He is wearing: Andrew is wearing a plain forage cap and a 9 button shell jacket. Stuffed in his belt are 2 revolvers. The one on his right (your left) appears to be a Remmington or similar model. The one on his left may be the same, but is not clear. Supported by his left hand is a model 1858 Enfield Saber-bayonet. Note the Saber-bayonet's distinctive shape indicative of the Enfield. Against his right is a model 1858 Enfield Rifle. Please note that there is a difference between the "Rifle" and the "Rifle-Musket" of 1853. The "Rifle" model is 5 inches shorter and has a lug to hold the Saber-bayonet. Both the Rifle and Rifle-Musket were .577 caliber. Also, the Rifle has 2 barrel bands whereas the Musket has 3. Below is an example of the 1858 Enfield Rifle. The "US" on the belt buckle is not clear in the portrait, but it is believed to be such a buckle. Attached to his belt is a standard "Cap pouch" and the sheath for the Saber-bayonet (it is just behind his left hand extending down). Across his left shoulder is the "Cartridge Box " belt with the box on his right below the waist belt. Comments on Uniform and Arms of the 31st Indiana: Few known photos exist of 31st Indiana Civil War enlisted men in their uniforms with arms. Based on other information I have obtained, the u