Fowler and West

Sanford C. West and Marquis L. Fowler

Sanford C. West served in the 13th Illinois Volunteer Infantry as a drummer. According to the information on the back of the photograph, the drum (snare drum) that he carries in the was made for an ash tree from Rockford, New York and was over 65 years old when the picture was taken.

Marquis L. Fowler enlisted at Eaton Rapids, Michigan on August 5, 1862 and was mustered in on August 15, 1862 as a fifer in Company G, 20th Michigan Volunteer Infantry. He was 21 years old at the time. He served as a fifer until January 19, 1863 when he was discharged at Washington DC for disability. When the picture was taken, he was the leader of the Fife and Drum Corps of the soldier's home at Orting, Washington. According to the information on the back of the picture, it indicates that his brother also was a fifer during the Mexican War. It also indicated that Marquis L. Fowler has had charge of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Fife and Drum Corps ever since the War. It is unknown, however, as to which GAR Post the card is referencing since there were four GAR Posts in Orting, Washington, CM Reed #54, U.S. Grant #91, Henry W. Lawton #99 and J.R. Hayden #118.

Photograph and information submitted by Peter Coulton.

Sanford C. West (left) and Marquis L. Fowler (right)