Very nice image of Joseph Aikens seated with legs crossed at a table. He wears a dark forage cap and frock coat with light trousers. The coat is opened at the throat to reveal a matching vest underneath. Each sleeve also has 1^st Sergeant chevrons.

Image is very clear with excellent contrast. Surface dirt is light

Reverse has period ink inscription that reads “J. P. AIKENS. 1^ST SEGT. CO. D 4^TH VT.”

Joseph P. Aikens was born in Royalton, Vermont on November 22, 1840. He was living in Barnard, Vermont when he enlisted for three months as a Private in Company B, 1^st Vermont Infantry on May 2, 1861. During his service the regiment saw action at Big Bethel. Private Aikens was mustered out at Brattleboro on August 15, 1861.

Aikens enlisted again but this time for three years on August 28, 1861.  He was mustered in as a Private in Company D, 4^th Vermont Infantry. The regiment was first assigned to the 4^th Corps and then later to the 6^th Corps. Private Aikens rose through the ranks being appointed to Corporal and Sergeant at undisclosed dates. However, it is known that he was promoted to 1^st Sergeant on January 1, 1863 and at the end of the year he became a re-enlisted veteran.

After the battles of Gettysburg and the Wilderness Aikens received a commission to 1^st Lieutenant and was transferred to Company C. On September 29, 1864 he was promoted Captain. He led his Company at Cedar Creek the following October where he was wounded. He was discharged for his wounds on March 8, 1865.

After the war he lived in Windsor, Vermont. He died on February 9, 1924 and is buried in Hartford Point Cemetery, Hartford, VT.

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