A John Schoolcraft from Hamilton Co., IL enlisted 9 Jan 1862 in Co. K of the 6th Illinois Cavalry, died 12 Jan 1862, only 3 days after his enlistment. The company was encamped at Shawneetown, IL from Nov 1861 through Feb 1862 and as far as I can tell, was not engaged in battle at that time, so probably John died of disease or an accident. If he is the one I am seeking (son of John and Sary/Mary), he would have been age 46 at this time, rather old to be enlisting. His wife Margaret (Right/Wright) and children are found in Dunklin Co., MO in the 1860 census, so John may have died prior to 1860.

Can anyone set this straight?

Thanks, Sandra