William Whitmire (1837 - abt. 1863)

Born 1837 in Butler, PA

Ancestors

Died about 1863 at about age 26 in VA [uncertain]

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Kevin McClain [send private message]

Biography

He is not to be confused with his older cousin, William Whitmire, who was in Company B, Sixth Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, Sixth Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery (212th Volunteers)

According to enlistments document, he enlisted Dec 11, 1861, Company M, Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry. The Sixth Calvary was known as 'Rush's Lancers' because of their 9-foot lances. He is described as having hazel eyes, brown hair and light complexion, standing 55 in. William is listed as missing in action Oct 11, 1863 at Brandy Station, VA.

Brandy Station was the site of a celebrated military action by the regiment in May of 1863. The Oct 11 date corresponds to the regiment's activity in what is know the Bristoe Campaign.

The History of Butler Co, 1895, has "William enlisted in Company M, Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry, was taken prisoner at Bristoe Station, August 22, 1862, and confined at Libby prison, and Belle Isle, where it is believed he died."

It is therefore suspected that the date of August 22, 1862 is a typographical error and likely should be August 22, 1863.

Is is theorized that he was captured following Brandy Station and prior to Bristoe. It was not until Bristoe that he was official recorded as MIA.

Sources

• "United States Census, 1860," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXPD-TJG : accessed 24 July 2015), William Whitmere in household of John Graham, Butler Township, Butler, Pennsylvania, United States; from "1860 U.S. Federal Census - Population," database, Fold3.com (http://www.fold3.com : n.d.); citing p. 27, household ID 177, NARA microfilm publication M653 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 805,086.

• "United States Registers of Enlistments in the U.S. Army, 1798-1914," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VRQZ-9ND : accessed 24 July 2015), William Whitmire, 11 Dec 1861; citing p. 279, volume 57, Butler, , Pennsylvania, United States, NARA microfilm publication M233 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 28; FHL microfilm 350,334.