Literature
Did Any Civil War Soldiers Live Past 1900?
Did Any Civil War Soldiers Live Past 1900?
Questions abound regarding the longevity of Civil War veterans who survived the often brutal and bloody conflict. Despite the uncertainties in historical records, the existence of these veterans indeed adds an intriguing layer to our understanding of history.
Organizations and Numbers
The 'United Confederate Veterans' boasted approximately 160,000 members in 1900, although the exact figure remains somewhat uncertain. Meanwhile, the 'Grand Army of the Republic', the corresponding organization for Union veterans, claimed around 400,000 members in 1890, also with doubts over the accuracy of these numbers.
According to rough estimates, approximately 2.15 million servicemen survived the American Civil War. Half of those individuals, approximately a million, lived into 1900. As a testament to the attrition rate, only about 55,000 Gettysburg veterans attended the 50th anniversary event in 1913, compared to just 10,500 who participated in the 1938 75th anniversary celebration.
Personal Accounts and Stories
It's clear that some Civil War veterans indeed lived well past 1900. For example, my father, who was born in 1924, had childhood memories of seeing parades in Tacoma and Seattle featuring remaining Union Army veterans of the 'Grand Army of the Republic.' Many Civil War veterans were remarkably elderly by the time they participated in these parades, emphasizing the remarkable longevity of survivors.
My three-times great-grandfather, William Robinson, who fought in the 7th and 11th Kentucky Union Calvary, was a key figure in General Sherman's campaign through Georgia. William Robinson lived to be 92 years old, making him the last Kentucky veteran of either side at the time. Similarly, John Yeager, a member of the 12th Kentucky Union Calvary, died in 1936 at 82.
Reunions and Longevity
Many Civil War veterans and their descendants attended reunions throughout the early 20th century. These gatherings provided a rare opportunity for veterans to reunite after decades apart. The Battle of Gettysburg, for instance, attracted as many attendees in 1938 as did the similar event commemorating D-Day in Normandy.
Although the exact numbers varied, these reunions often featured notable veterans from both the Union and Confederate sides. My research and personal connections have led me to uncover unique stories from family members who experienced or witnessed the Civil War firsthand. These stories offer a more personal and nuanced understanding of history than textbooks alone could provide.
Long-Lived Veterans and Historical Records
Remarkably, some Civil War veterans lived far beyond the 1950s. James Hard, who served in the 37th New York Regiment and fought in several significant battles including First Bull Run, Antietam, Chancellorsville, and Fredericksburg, lived until 1953. Albert Henry Woolson, a Union drummer boy who was discharged in 1865, passed away in 1956. Walter Washington Williams, a forger for General John Hood and later a Confederate guerrilla, is sometimes considered the last surviving Confederate veteran, though his claim is disputed.
William Townsend, born on April 12, 1846, and Pleasant Riggs Crump, who served as a private in the 10th Alabama Infantry Regiment, are widely considered the last verifiable Confederate and Union veterans, respectively, both passing away in the early 1950s.
These stories highlight the remarkable longevity of Civil War veterans and provide a deeper understanding of their personal journeys through history. Whether through historical records, personal accounts, or modern investigations, the legacy of Civil War veterans continues to intrigue and educate.