Pvt Thadus enlisted into the US Army on August 17, 1875 at Baltimore MD. He was described as 5"6", black eyes, dark hair and complexion. His civilian occupation was listed as farmer.

On October 21, 1875, Thadus reported for duty at Ft Lincoln in the Dakota Territory & was assigned to Company C, 7th US Cavalry. Company C was commanded by two time Medal of Honor recipient Capt Tom Custer, who was also the brother of LTC George Armstrong Custer.

At the Battle of the Little Bighorn, Company C was attached to LTC Custer's battalion. Thadus was killed sometime during the fighting.

After the battle most of Company C was found on what had been the right flank of Company L, near Calhoun Ridge.

His remains were never reported as being identified. It is likely that his unidentified remains were first buried where they had been found on the battlefield.

In 1881 all known battlefield burials were moved to a mass grave on Last Stand Hill.

John Thadus