The Loomis family lived in Colchester, Connecticut. Mary Elizabeth Loomis was born around 1841. Her two older brothers, William C. (1836-1896) and Oliver S (b. ca. 1838) both enlisted as musicians during the civil war. William enlisted on October 7, 1861; on October 26 he mustered into the 1st Cavalry Connecticut Regiment, Company C, and a musician. He transferred on May 15, 1862 to Company S and was promoted to Full Principal Musician. Oliver enlisted on September 8, 1862. He joined the 24th Connecticut Infantry Regiment, Company C, as a musician on November 18, 1862. He mustered out of the service on September 30, 1863.
From the description of Lizzie Loomis letter, 1862. (Georgia Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 86108125
