At the age of 20 John Rookstool (1845-1904) was mustered into Company D of the 95th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry at Philadelphia on January 25, 1864. He was private. Wounded by a gunshot to the left arm near the shoulder at Spottsylvania Court House, Virginia, on May 12, 1864, he lost his arm to amputation at the shoulder joint on May 13. Sent to Tilton Hospital in Delaware to recover, he was later moved to Chestnut Hill Hospital, Philadelphia, at the request of his mother. She wanted him to be near his brother James who was there recovering from his own wounds and illness. Because of his wound and the amputation, Rookstool received a disability discharge on July 31, 1865. He was enrolled in the 71st Company, 2nd Battallon, of the Veteran Reserve Corps (V.R.C.), and received an "invalid pension" of $80 per month on January 16, 1866. Working at a Philadelphia oyster house, his opening oysters with one hand was a popular attraction. He later returned to Norristown and worked as a huckster until his death. He was a member of Zook Post 11 GAR.

Location: F-2