from http://whitley.kneller.com/patriots/17IVI.html

William L. Birney (Columbia City, Ind.) Enlisted as a Corporal on June 12, 1861 - Promoted to Full Lieutenant 2nd Class on May 1, 1864 - Promoted to Full Lieutenant 1st Class on June 21, 1864 - Promoted to Full Captain (not mustered) on Nov. 19, 1864 - Mustered out Feb. 2, 1865.

there's a listing of all who served in the 17th from Whitley County, Indiana