Lieutenant Miles V. Wilsey House – Mount Vernon, Indiana
Out here on the trail, some of the most interesting stories aren’t found at large historic sites—but in small details preserved in old records.
While exploring Mount Vernon, we came across a reference in a 1920s tour guide that marked a home with a simple but powerful line:
“Lieut. Co. Miles V. Wilsey, Co. H, 25th Reg. Ind. – A survivor of Shiloh.”
That one sentence connects this quiet town to one of the most brutal chapters of the Civil War.
Who Was Lieutenant Miles V. Wilsey?
When the Civil War began, Miles V. Wilsey was living in Grayville, Illinois.
- Commissioned as Second Lieutenant on July 17, 1861
- Mustered into service on August 19, 1861
- Served with Company H, 25th Indiana Infantry Regiment
- Resigned from service on September 3, 1862
After the war, Wilsey eventually made his home in Mount Vernon, where he lived for many years.
He passed away in 1925 at the age of 90 at his home on the corner of 7th Street and College Avenue.
Service in the 25th Indiana Infantry
The 25th Indiana Infantry was organized at Evansville in 1861 and quickly became an active unit in the Western Theater.
During its service, the regiment:
- Fought in numerous battles and engagements
- Marched thousands of miles across multiple states
- Endured heavy losses from combat, disease, and hardship
Like many regiments of the time, their experience reflects just how demanding and difficult Civil War service was.
A Survivor of the Battle of Shiloh
One of the most important details recorded about Wilsey is that he was a survivor of the Battle of Shiloh.
Fought in April 1862, Shiloh was one of the deadliest battles of the war up to that point.
- Over 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing
- Fighting was intense and chaotic
- Many units, including those from Indiana, suffered heavy losses
The 25th Indiana held its position during the early fighting before being forced to fall back under pressure, suffering significant casualties.
To have been there—and to have survived—places Wilsey among those who endured some of the harshest conditions of the war.
Campaigns and Actions During His Service
Before his resignation in September 1862, Wilsey and Company H were involved in several key operations:
- Fremont’s Campaign in Missouri (1861)
- Action at Blackwater (Missouri, December 1861)
- Battle of Fort Donelson (February 1862)
- Battle of Shiloh (April 1862)
- Siege of Corinth (April–May 1862)
- Duty and scouting operations around Memphis (summer 1862)
These movements show just how quickly soldiers were pushed from one campaign to another during the early years of the war.
A representation of a Union soldier during the Civil War. No known photographs of Lieutenant Miles V. Wilsey have been found.
A Civil War Veteran in Mount Vernon
After leaving the army, Wilsey’s life eventually brought him to Mount Vernon.
By the 1920s, his home was recognized enough to be included in a local tour guide—an indication that his service and story were remembered within the community.
Today, there may be little to physically mark the site, but knowing who lived there adds a deeper meaning to the location.
Why This Story Matters
This is why we take the time to stop and look closer.
A single line in an old guidebook can connect:
- A quiet neighborhood
- A Civil War regiment
- A soldier who stood at Shiloh
These smaller stories help fill in the gaps between the larger events we often hear about.
Final Thoughts
Lieutenant Miles V. Wilsey may not be widely known, but his story reflects the experience of thousands of soldiers who served during the Civil War.
From early campaigns in Missouri to the fields of Shiloh, and later to a home in southern Indiana, his life is a reminder that history isn’t just found on battlefields—it’s found in the places people returned to afterward.
For more Local Legends and Stories
- Local Legends and History main page
For more Post about Mount Vernon Indiana and the Local area
- Mount Vernon, Indiana – A Historic Stop on the Ohio River Scenic Byway
- Hovey Lake Fish and Wildlife visit in 2025
- Lyles Station and Gibson County underground railroad.
