** Please check out my tribute page to two of my Civil War relatives who never made it home **

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

July 09, 2014

 


Okay, so, I’ve been coming to Gettysburg since I was 8, and this last trip was the first time I ever walked inside the Peach Orchard. There’s that inviting sidewalk and informational tablet and everything, but I just never got around to the “journey” until now. The “sidewalk” isn’t long, but it gives you the opportunity to walk *in* the Peach Orchard without (a) being attacked by ticks, and (b) tramping where you’re not supposed to.


On photo #1, the monument you see at right is the 141ST Pennsylvania Infantry. The informational plaque can be seen at upper left. Photo #2 shows “The Peach Orchard Salient”, the plaque that explains the fighting here on July 2ND. The man whose portrait can be seen is Confederate Gen. Joseph Kershaw.


**HONORED TODAY**

PVT. GRAY WILSON WOODARD
Co. A, 55TH North Carolina Infantry

Born December 24, 1827 --- Died July 01, 1863 at age 35

Pvt. Woodard supported himself and his family by farming, and a large family it was: He and wife Mary Ann had James (age 8 in 1863), David (age 7), Sarah (age 5), Mollie (age 3), and John (age 2). Pvt. Woodard was supposedly buried at Maplewood Cemetery in Wilson, North Carolina, but there is evidence he may still be on the battlefield.


(c) 2012-2014 Skies of Blue and Gray

2 comments:

  1. Hi. Gray Wilson Woodard was my great, great grandfather. I know he was killed at Gettysburg and I have been trying to trace his final resting place. My mother who is 98 and still living and of sound mind believes he is buried there still. What evidence do you have that he is still there? I look so forward to hearing from you.

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    1. Hi Beth. I sent you a private response via email; hope it's helpful! I really enjoy learning about the men who died at Gettysburg and trying to flesh out their lives. Good luck to you in your genealogical research!

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