John J. Williams (American Civil War)

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 Civil War, and is generally recognized as the last soldier killed in the American Civil War.

John Jefferson Williams
Born1843
Jay County, Indiana
DiedMay 13, 1865 (aged 21–22)
Cameron County, Texas
Burial
Alexandria National Cemetery, Louisiana
AllegianceUnited States of America
Union
Service/branchUnion Army
Years of service1863–1865
RankPrivate
Unit34th Regiment Indiana Infantry
Battles/warsAmerican Civil War

Biography

William was born in the year 1843 in Jay County, Indiana, and joined the Union Army 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 is buried in the Alexandria National Cemetery in Pineville, Louisiana. His grave can be found in section B plot 797.[4]

See also

References
  1. "The Civil War". PBS. Retrieved September 27, 2009.
  2. Hobdy's Bridge, Explore Southern History
  3. Jaine Treadwell (9 May 2015). "'Ambush at Hobdy's Bridge' re-enactment May 16-17". The Troy Messenger. 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."
  4. National Cemetery Administration Nationwide Gravestone Locator Search → Williams, John J


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