Wells A. Bushnell was born in Trumbull County, Ohio. He enlisted in 1861 as a private for three years in the Sixth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry at Orwell, Ohio, and was appointed a corporal soon thereafter. He was captured in 1862 at Catlett Station, Virginia, and spent ten days in Libby Prison, Richmond, Virginia, before being exchanged. He was appointed a sergeant in Company A, Sixth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry on January 1, 1863, and subsequently served as a quartermaster sergeant and orderly sergeant in Company A throughout 1863 and 1864. He was promoted to second lieutenant November 12, 1864, and then to first lieutenant January 31, 1865, in Company E of the Sixth Ohio. Bushnell resigned from service May 28, 1865. The Sixth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry saw heavy action throughout the Civil War. Originating at Orwell, Ohio, and surrounding areas, it was one of two cavalry regiments raised by Senator Benjamin F. Wade and Congressman John Hutchins of Ohio. The Sixth entered the war in June 1862 during the pursuit of Stonewall Jackson in the Shenandoah Valley campaign. Throughout the war, the Sixth participated in numerous battles and engagements, including Cross Keys, Luray Court House, Warrenton, 2nd Bull Run, Chantilly, Fredericksburg, Kelly's Ford, Aldie, Middleburg, Upperville, Rapidan Station, Bristoe Station, Gettysburg, Yellow Tavern, Cold Harbor, Trevilians' Station, Malvern Hill, Dinwiddie Court House, Five Forks, and Appomattox. The Sixth was present at the surrender of Confederate forces at Appomattox.
From the description of Wells A. Bushnell, Sixth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry memoir, 1898-1905 [microform]. (Rhinelander District Library). WorldCat record id: 41542132
