Joseph Rutherford, age 40 years, was enlisted as Private on April 2nd, 1862 in Captain McLean’s Company, Company H (Union Rebels), 6th Regiment Florida Infantry by J. J. Finley at Mount Vernon Arsenal, Florida, for a period of 3 years or the war. (Company Muster Roll for April 2nd, 1862 dated April 21st, 1862)

He is reported present on the Company Muster Roll for April 1st, 1862 through July 1st, 1862.

He is reported present on the Company Muster Roll for June 30th through November 12th, 1862.

He is reported present on the Company Muster Roll for November 12th, 1862 through February 11th, 1863. This roll documents his appointment from the ranks to 4th Corporal on November 1st(?), 1862.

He is reported present on the Company Muster Roll for February 11th, 1863 through April 17th, 1863.

He is reported present on the Company Muster Roll for April 17th through April 30th, 1863.

He is reported absent, and due commutation from enlistment, on the Company Muster Roll for April 30th, 1863 through July 9th, 1863. He was also reported as having deserted at Charleston, Tennessee on June 9th(?), 1863.

His name appears as signature to an Oath of Allegiance taken at Chattanooga, Tennessee on December 18th, 1863. His residence is given as Polk County, Tennessee. Physical description of dark complexion, brown hair, hazel eyes, and 5’ 4” tall.