This page is under construction.
Check back later as I add more information from Reuben DeLay’s records
Reuben DeLay, my Grandmother’s Grandfather served in the 3rd Iowa Calvary during the Civil War.
Here is some information gleaned from His January 1, 1864 reenlistment papers:
Reuben joined the Union Army along with his brother and two cousins on August 20, 1861. He appears to have mustered in at St Louis, Missouri on Sep 6, 1861. His original enlistment was for 3 years.
On January 1, 1864, Reuben DeLay reenlisted as a Sergeant at Little Rock, Arkansas. He swore an oath that is very similar to that sworn by countless other members of the US military up to the present time.
He was examined by a Doctor who found him “free from bodily defects and potential infirmity.
The description given was:
-Eyes: Hazel
-Hair: Black
Complexion: Dark
-High: 5 Ft. 11 3/4
Here is the transcript of the actual document. Let me know if you see anything I missed due to my bad eyesight and inability to decipher ancient cursive.
Virtually all of the members of the 3rd Iowa Cavalry reenlisted along with Reuben. (Over 500 men.) They were returned to Keokuk, Iowa for thirty days of well-earned leave on Feb 12, 1864.
Outlaws, Outrages and Outright Lies 