60th Massachusetts Infantry

George had 3 brothers who also served in Massachusetts units; James Franklin Pickering, Valentine A. Pickering, and Andrew Jackson Pickering. George Washington Pickering was in the 60th Mass Infantry, Co. H (Cushings Guards) for 100 days. Guarding a camp of rebel prisoners in Indianapolis, Indiana. Discharged Nov. 30, 1864.

Enlisted as a Private on 28 July 1864 at the age of 23. Mustered out on 30 November 1864 at Indianapolis, IN.

Pvt. John H. Knight, of Atkinson, N.H. enlisted at Haverhill, Mass. in late July 1864, and served in Co. I, 60th Mass. Inf. Rgt. Mustered-in to Federal service for 100 days with his regiment at Camp Meigs, Readville, Mass. on 01 Aug. 1864, Pvt. Knight and the 60th Mass. left the State for Washington, D.C. En route, they stopped in Baltimore, Md., where they performed guard duty until 16 Aug. 1864. On that date, they were ordered to report to Indianapolis, Ind., where they again performed guard duty, this time at a POW Camp, where they guarded 5,000 Confederate prisoners. Pvt. Knight and his regiment were mustered-out of Federal service on 30 Nov. 1864; his name appears on the Civil War monument on the Town Common in Atkinson, N.H. NOTE: under the military leadership of Col. Ansel Wass--a thrice-wounded combat veteran of the 19th Mass. Inf. Rgt.--the 60th Mass. established a reputation for itself as a 'spit and polish' regiment that was noted for its' expert drill, good deportment and general efficiency, for which it received a commendation from Gov. Morton of Indiana. N.B.: Pvt. John H. Knight was a direct descendant of the John Knight who was among the first settlers of Newbury, Mass. in 1635.

Enlisted as a 2nd Lieutenant on 22 July 1864 at the age of 30. Commissioned in Company I, 60th Infantry Regiment Massachusetts on 23 July 1864. Mustered out on 30 November 1864 at Indianapolis, IN.