WI 15th Inf Co H. Residence: Christiania, Dane County, Wisconsin. Born 8 Feb 1828, son of Even Stenersen Bilstad and Dagne Tollefsdatter Midgaard. He came to America with his parents and four siblings on “Aeolus”, which sailed from Havre, France, and arrived in New York on 28 Aug 1843. They came to Oakland Township, Jefferson County, Wisconsin. Civil War: Age 33. Unmarried. Enlisted for three years on 21 Oct 1861 at Christiania and mustered at Madison, Wisconsin, 13 Feb 1862. Named Sergeant. Promoted to First Sergeant 1 Jan 1863. Served with the provision transport from Stevenson, Alabama, in October 1863. Sick in Chattanooga, Tennessee, 28 Nov 1863. Mustered out with Company H on 13 Feb 1865 at Chattanooga. Post war: Lived in Jackson County, Minnesota from 1867 to 1873, after which he returned to Dane County. Buried at East Koshkonong Cemetery, Wisconsin. Dates on stone: “1828-1894”. Sources: (WHS Series 1200 box 76-10; red book vol 20, p112) (Buslett p554 photo) (Ulvestad p259) (Ager p279 photo; p309) (Naeseth ’43-1559) (Hedberg)
