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
uniforms of the 31st Indiana changed somewhat as the war drew on. The above
photo of Andrew Gosnell would represent an early style uniform and the
weapons of the 31st Indiana Vol. Infantry could have varied from the
beginning. Although I presently do not have full records showing the exact type
of arms the 31st Indiana obtained, It is very unlikely that only one type
of weapon was issued. It is very probable that the 31st may have had a
varied proportion of the 2-band Enfields and 3-band Enfields. I do have a photo
of 31st Indiana soldier holding a 3-band 1853 Enfield musket. The soldier
wears a forage cap, much like Andrew's above, a 4 button sack coat, US
oval belt buckle, a brass eagle badge on the cartridge box leather shoulder
strap, and apparently an Enfield cartridge box and cap pouch. The soldier
was a recruit who enlisted in 1862. Due to uniforms wearing out, I will
venture to declare that all soldiers of the 31st Indiana Volunteer Infantry had
similar dress like this latter description as time went by.
| 
