Company A
Private
Enlistment Aug. 12, 1861 in Company A, 'Wetherill Blues', 31st Regiment Penna. Volunteers, Col. D. H. Williams commanding. The regiment went to Washington DC. to protect the city and for training. Early in the war, it was re-designated the 82nd Pennsylvania Volunteers. The regiment was present at numerous battles including: Fair Oaks, Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Seven Pines, Antietam, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, etc. Edward re-enlisted in December 30, 1863. During the most of the War his duties, when not an infantryman (which I believe was infrequent) probably due to his older age, were with the quartermaster's wagons or as an orderly for Gen. Alexander Shaler's horse (Brig. Commander). Upon the capture of General Shaler, Edward was with the provost guard. During the winter of 1864 the regiment was in Johnson's Island, Lake Erie, guarding rebel prisoners. In late 1864 the regiment was part of the veteran IV Corps and as such was involved in opposing Confederate General Early from Washington and served under Gen. Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. He was wounded, but not severely, at Antietam and had a horse shot from under him at Petersburg. For the entire of the war he faithfully send letters to his oldest daughter, Mary - these letters are in possession of Jay H Willis as are two of his canteens, his folding spoon and fork, as well as two tintypes one from 1861 and one from1863. Edward was discharged with his Regiment on July 13, 1865 at Hall's Hill, Va. Edward returned from the War suffering from chronic diarrhea from which he never recovered and subsequently died on Sept.18, 1865 in Media PA. He was not quite 49 years old.