He was born in 1836/37 (3 (24 in 1861), 5 (24 in 1861)). He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (5).
When he enlisted, he was 5 feet 11 inches tall, and had a dark complexion, dark eyes, and dark hair (3, 5).
He enlisted and was mustered into service on 15 November 1861 (1, 2, 3, 5). He was enlisted at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Captain Casner (3, 5). He was mustered in as a private in company H, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1, 3, 6-7).
He was transferred to company K on 4 December 1861 (1, 2, 3).
He deserted on 29 December 1861, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1, 3, 4). He was a private (6-7 (co.H)).
1 Bates, Samuel Penniman. History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5. Harrisburg: B. Singerly, state printer, 1869-71. 5 volumes. 'Ninety-first regiment', volume 3, pages 186-233. (In the roster) (Enoch Messenger, Enoch Messinger)
2 company H, register of men transferred (Enoch Messinger)
3 Civil War Veterans' Card File, available at the Pennsylvania State Archives, searched 13 March 2005 (Enoch Messinger [rolls also have 'Messenger'])
4 company K, register of deserters, entry 10 (Enoch Messenger)
5 company K, descriptive roll (Enoch Messinger)
6 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (Enoch Messenger)
7 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (Enoch Messinger)