This photograph is featured at the Eckley Miners’ Village Museum in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
It’s accompanied by the following information on a plaque, with other nearby exhibits depicting Eckley’s place during the Civil War.
Sergeant John Williamson
John Williamson was born in Pennsylvania on May 19, 1839.
His parents, William and Matilda, were of Irish decent. According to the 1860 census report for the village of Eckley, John Williamsons’ occupation is listed as mule driver and later, a laborer.
On April 11, 1861 he married Hester McClean. The couple had only one child, Matilda, born on March 26, 1862. On September 24, 1861, at the age of 22, John enlisted with the Union Army.
His description at that time: height 5′ 7 1/4,” complexion – fair, color of eyes – brown, and color of his hair – black.
On October 27, 1861 John was mustered in as sergeant of Company K, 81st Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry for three years.
On the roll of honor for Foster Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania he was listed as killed in action at Charles City Crossroads, Virginia on June 30, 1862.
He was probably buried in an unmarked grave on the battlelield. Another source gives the information that he was “not accounted for.”
Military Record Number 4 of Co. K, 81 Regt. PA Vol. by Capt. James McKinley describes heavy fighting at White Oak Swamp & Charles City Crossroads (5th day of the Seven Day Battles):
“we were in support of the guns until the middle of the afternoon when we started on the double quick for Charles city crossroad where a terrible contest was going on for the possession of the road to Malvern Hill.
After considerable maneuvering through the woods we came into action a little after dark and remained there holding our own till ten o’ clock.
The only means we had of taking aim was by the flash of the enemies guns.
Sert. Williamson, Privates Thos. Felton & Geo. M. Dreishbach of Co. K were killed.
The loss of life for the Reg. was heavy.”
You can find a published book featuring Williamson’s letters here
Read more about the Civil War in the Coal Region
“Revolutionary Disloyalty” – A coal miners’ rebellion in Schuylkill County during the Civil War
Schuylkill County soldier killed at the Battle of Peebles Farm | September 1864
The Murder of Frank Langdon | Audenried, Pennsylvania, 1862
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