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Catalog Number
2020.9.566Title
Riedsema, SimonDescription
Image of Holland MI area resident Simon Riedsema's record of service in the "Record of Service of Michigan Volunteers in the Civil War, Vol. 32" and obituary in the Apr. 2nd, 1908 edition of Holland City News, page one.History
Simon Riedsema was born on December 23rd, 1838 in the Netherlands. On September 18th, 1861 he enlisted in the 2nd Michigan Cavalry Co. D. On March 25th, 1864 he was reported as missing in action after the battle in Brontwood, TN but eventually returned. He was promoted to Sergeant on November 1st, 1864. He was captured on November 5th, 1864 near Shoal Creek, AL but was evidently released, as he was mustered out with the regiment on June 9th, 1865. After the war, he started a retail furniture store in Holland, Mi that he operated for nearly 40 years. In 1902, he moved to Oklahoma and purchased a 150 acre ranch. He passed on March 25th, 1908 in Griggs, OK.The Second Michigan Cavalry was a cavalry regiment organized in September 1861. The 2nd Cavalry was commanded by the famous Phil Sheridan for some time. The regiment. The regiment was heavily involved in skirmishes, and operated outside of the primary army often. Notable places the regiment fought at were Corinth, MS (1862), Perryville, KY, Blountsville, TN, Chickamauga, GA, Nashville, Tn (1864), and Corinth MS again in 1865.