Enlistment Date: May 18, 1861

Transfer Date: January 30, 1864

Release Date: July 29, 1865

Unit: 29th Massachusetts Regiment, Company D and 36th Massachusetts Regiment, Company E

Peter Russell was born in February 1842 in Massachusetts. While enlisted, he started in the 29th Massachusetts and took part in many major battles throughout the war. The first was the Second Battle of Bull Run, where his regiment covered the retreat of the Union army.

The 29th later took part in the Battle of Antietam. The regiment suffered fewer casualties at Antietam than other units due to the layout of the land, which offered it more protection from attack. Russell later transferred to the 36th Massachusetts, where he participated in the Battle of the Wilderness in May, 1864. His regiment fought in the Siege of Petersburg, including the fall of the city.

After the fall, the regiment went to Alexandria and stayed there until May, 1865. After the war, Russell worked as a glassblower and moved to Pennsylvania. He married Margaret Catherine Johnson and had a son. He died on October 9, 1912. He is buried in section B.

(Compiled by Raymond Aguiar)