He enlisted on September 1, 1873, in Cincinnati, Ohio by Lt. Adam
Kramer. He listed his previous occupation as farmer. He was
discharged on September 1, 1878, at Camp Sturgis, Dakota, upon
expiration of service, as a corporal of very good character. He
resided in Sturgis for over 30 years and was a member of the Sturgis
Hook and Ladder Fire Company. He had blue eyes, dark brown hair,
fair complexion, and was 5’ 7 ¼” tall. At the Little
Bighorn battle, his Company G was with Major Reno in both the valley
and hilltop fights. His older brother, George, was a private in
Company F and was killed with Custer. John was unable to identify
his body because of the mutilations done by the Indians and the fact
that the bodies had lain in the hot Montana sun for two days.
According to the book, CUSTER IN ’76, which is based on the
notes of Walter Camp, Hammon and another trooper (Thomas O’Neill)
dug the grave in which Custer’s body was buried.
Headstone for John Hammon at Bear Butte Cemetery - Sturgis,
South Dakota
