behind AotW

On this day before the 163rd anniversary of the Battle of Antietam, here’s a look at the face of one of the soldiers who was there.

He’s William Tillotson, who was a 19 year old farm boy when he had this photograph taken, probably soon after he enlisted as a Private in the 14th Indiana Infantry in June 1861. The too-big hat and uniform make him seem even younger than he was, and but his gaze is direct and sober, even if a little unsure.

Young William was wounded at Antietam on 17 September 1862 by a gunshot to his leg, probably in combat at the infamous Sunken Road/Bloody Lane. He recovered to return to his unit but, sadly, was killed at Gettysburg in July 1863. He was 21 years old.

This stunning hand-tinted tintype is still in the family and was shared to his Findagrave memorial by Bill Marsh.