1st Sgt. Walter J. Ordway

1st Sgt. Walter J. Ordway

   Attended the Elgin Academy.

Elgin Union Grays

   Enlisted Jan. 1, 1864 as a Cpl.

A Co. 36th Ill. Vol. Inf.

Fox River Regiment

Steedman's Brigade

Sheridan's Division

Fourth Corps

   Mustered In Jan. 25, 1864.
   Home of record listed as Elgin, Ill's.
   Issued .577 1857 P-53 Enfield Rifled musket.
   Wounded in Action at Adairsville.
   Wounded in Action in the arm at Dallas.
   Arm was Amputated.

  Excerpt from Grandfather was a Drummer Boy, diary of Charles Stiles.

   June 8, 1864
      During this campaign, thus far, the Regt. has lost more than it recruited while at home.  During this last fight Co. A lost but two wounded and none killed.  Walter Ordway had to have his right arm taken off at the shoulder.

   Died June 12, 1864 at Ackworth of Wounds Received at Dallas.

  Excerpt from Grandfather was a Drummer Boy, diary of Charles Stiles.

   June 12, 1864
      At 10:45 A.M. Walter Ordway died without a groan.  He breathed his last as though going to sleep.  One from the 74th Ill. died a short time after.  It has rained most of the time the last few days.  A train crossed the new bridge and came here yesterday.

  Excerpt from Grandfather was a Drummer Boy, diary of Charles Stiles.

   July 10, 1864
      Now about Walter Ordway's death.  I learned, after Walter died that for the last 24 hours he seemed to think he could not live.  Some 15 or 20 minutes before his death I went into his tent and asked him how he felt.  His answer was "it pains me a good deal".  He laughed and talked and appeared quite cheerful in spite of the pain.  During all his suffering I never heard him groan or complain.  His wound did not run freely, inflamation set in and, being so near the vitals it produced almost instant death.  I marked a headboard for his grave, buried him so that his remains can be taken up and afterward fenced in his grave.  It seemed when I saw him die that I could better spare any other man in the Co.  But "we know not the value of friends till we lose them".

Known Actions;
Rocky Face Ridge, Ga.     May 7, 1864
Resaca, Ga.               May 13, 1864
Adairsville, Ga.           May 17, 1864

   Buried at Dundee Township Cemetery, West.