Background
Birdsall was born in Monroe County, New New York
Birdsall was born in Monroe County, New New York
He was part of Company Bachelor in the 3rd Regiment Iowa Volunteer Cavalry. Birdsall, at the time of the Civil War"s breakout, was an inhabitant of Iowa. He enlisted in the 3rd Iowa Cavalry at Keokuk.
When General James H. Wilson moved on Columbus, Georgia, the 3rd Regiment accompanied him.
In the Battle of Columbus, Birdsall and his regiment attacked a series of Confederate entrenchments that protected a bridge over the Chattahoochee River. The Regiment captured the entrenchments and bridge.
Birdsall captured the Confederate flag-bearer and the flag. During the war, Birdsall lost a part of his right thumb and was wounded in the head
Birdsall moved to Lawrence, Kansas after the war ended.
He died November 29, 1891, and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.