John Jefferson Williams (1843 – May 13, 1865) was a Union soldier and private in Company B the 34th Regiment Indiana Infantry. He was killed at the Battle of Palmito Ranch, the last land battle of the American Civil War, and is generally recognized as the last soldier killed in the conflict.
John Jefferson Williams | |
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| Born | 1843 Jay County, Indiana, U.S. |
| Died | May 13, 1865 (aged 21–22) Cameron County, Texas, U.S. |
| Burial | Jay county Infirmary Cemetery |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service | Union Army |
| Years of service | 1863–1865 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | 34th Regiment Indiana Infantry |
| Battles / wars | American Civil War |
Biography
editWilliams was born in the year 1843 in Jay County, Indiana, and joined the Union Army in September, 1863, probably in Anderson. He moved to Camp Joe Holt where his unit drilled before being put on duty in their field. His regiment spent most of the war on guard and Garrison duty in the Western Theatre, including New Orleans where he was stationed before his unit joined the army forming for the invasion and occupation of Texas in spring of 1865. He first saw action in the Battle of Palmito Ranch near Brownsville, Texas, where he died May 13, 1865. Williams is generally recognized as being the last soldier to have been killed in action during the Civil War,[1] although some sources make this claim for Corporal John W. Skinner, killed on 19 May 1865 in an ambush at Hobdy's Bridge, near Eufaula, Alabama.[2][3]
He was buried at Alexandria National Cemetery in Pineville, Louisiana but his remains were moved to his home town in Jay County Indiana around 1897 or 1898 and is currently buried at the Jay County Infirmary Cemetery.[4]
See also
edit
- Indiana in the American Civil War
- Daniel Hough – First American soldier to die in the Civil War
References
edit- ^ "The Civil War". PBS. Retrieved September 27, 2009.
- ^ Hobdy's Bridge, Explore Southern History
- ^ Jaine Treadwell (9 May 2015). "'Ambush at Hobdy's Bridge' re-enactment May 16–17". The Troy Messenger. Archived from the original on 27 October 2021. Retrieved 30 July 2018.
Bob McLendon, event coordinator and member of Pvt. Augustus Braddy Camp 385, an event sponsor, said ... on May 19, 1865 ... "Cpl. John W. Skinner of First Florida Cavalry was killed, and three Union soldiers were wounded and were the last casualties of the war."
- ^ Museum of the Soldier Portland Indiana
External links
edit- "The Civil War". PBS. Retrieved September 27, 2009.
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