Fellow Sharpshooters

In the History of Nebraska website (uncategorized) is the original Colt-Root Repeating rifle carried by Joseph D. Gilman of Company E, 2nd USSS. Gilman was born in Vermont in 1841, and was studying law at Syracuse University when War broke out. He 'made the string' and enlisted in the Sharpshooters. At War's end he moved West to Nebraska and entered into the law offices of T.B. Stevenson and eventually was admitted to the bar. 1868 he moved to Falls City to practice law. He served in the Legislature in 1876.

The Colt-Root Rifle is in the Nebraska collection and has a brass plaque affixed to the butt stock that reads:
This gun carried by Joseph D. Gilman, Falls City, Nebr. Enlisted October 15, 1861, Company E, 2nd Regiment Berdan's Sharpshooters.

https://history.nebraska.gov/joseph-d-gilman-rifle/

Bill Skillman