Boomer, Micheal

Micheal Boomer

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Significance:

Company F, 36th Illinois Infantry

Place of Birth:

Jefferson County, New York

Date of Birth:

1838

Place of Death:

Murfreesboro, TN

Date of Death:

December 31st, 1862

Place of Burial:

Murfreesboro, TN

Cemetery Name:

Stones River National Cemetery

Micheal Boomer was born in 1838 in Jefferson County, New York. As an adult, he moved to Illinois where he worked as a farmer. He entered service on August 17th, 1861 in Newark, Illinois before mustering in three days later at Aurora, Illinois. Boomer entered service at the age of 23 as a corporal of Company F of the 36th Illinois Infantry regiment. His enlistement records describe him as being 5'9 3/4" and having a fair complexion with brown hair and blue eyes.

The 36th Illinois was commanded by Brigadier General Sill, Division General Sheridan, and Corps Commander McCook. They had spent their early days of service in pursuit of General Bragg which lead them to the Nashville, Tennessee area in December of 1862. During this time, Corporal Boomer had a rank change to Sergeant of his same company. In Nashville, the 36th Illinois awaited orders to march towards Murfreesboro. They left on December 26th on the four day journey to the area, ready to face the battle.

The first day of battle began bright an early on December 31st. The 36th Illinois was positioned east of Gresham Lane as the Confederate forces drew a J-shaped line around them. During these maneuvers, General Sill was mortally wounded and General Greusel took his place, commanding the broken companies of the 36th Illinois Infantry regiment. Sergeant Boomer was also killed in the initial maneuvers on the first day of the Battle of Stones River due to a gunshot wound.

Micheal Boomer is laid to rest in the Stones River National Cemetery in plot L-4602.