Person

Gillen, Charles

Ornate marble headstone belonging to Charles Gillen of the 9th Michigan Infantry.
Charles Gillen

NPS Photo

Quick Facts
Significance:
Company G, 9th Michigan Infantry
Place of Birth:
Coldwater, Michigan
Date of Birth:
1841
Place of Death:
Mufreesboro, Tennessee
Date of Death:
March 13, 1862
Place of Burial:
Mufreesboro, Tennessee
Cemetery Name:
Stones River National Cemetery

Charles Gillen was born in 1841 in Coldwater, Michigan. He served as a Private in Company G, 9th Michigan Infantry. The 9th Michigan Infantry was mustered on October 15, 1861 and left for Indiana on October 25th. They soon moved to Kentucky where Gillen and his company began fortifying Muldraugh's Hill. The 9th Michigan arrived in Nashville, Tennessee on March 23, 1862 and marched into Murfreesboro three days later.

The 9th Michigan remained in Murfreesboro except for the time between May 28 and June 16 when they made an expedition to Chattanooga. Gillen died from typhoid fever at Union College Hospital in Murfreesboro on May 13, 1862 missing the Chattanooga expedition, the 9th Michigan's capture on July 13, 1862, and the unit's triumphant return to the town following the Battle of Stones River.

He is buried at Stones River National Cemetery in plot H-2881.

Inscribed on his headstone is “This loss is deeply mourned by his friends and companions…” 

Stones River National Battlefield

Last updated: February 21, 2026