Samuel Elliot Viall

A 19 year old shoemaker in Lynn, he enlisted in Company K, 19th Massachusetts Infantry on 13 August 1861. He was wounded in the chest in action near Glendale, VA on 30 June 1862.

He was wounded in action at Antietam on 17 September 1862.

He was appointed Corporal and transferred to Company E, dates not given, and was again wounded, in the arm in action at Gettysburg, PA on 3 July 1863.

First Sergeant Viall of Co. E, comes running, swinging his musket over his head, crying, "Come on! Come on! they're running!" Suddenly he drops his musket and, clasping his arms across his breast, runs to the rear with a severe wound in the arm. "There's a brave man" remarks Major Rice, and then tells his companions to "hurry up" with their loading.

The rebel color [of the Henrico (VA) Artillery] mentioned herewith was taken by 1st Sergeant Viall, who was badly wounded. He offered it to Col. Rice, who declined to take it and ordered him to go to the rear with it. As he was making his way to the rear, as ordered, he was again wounded and the color was taken from him by a staff officer.

Service information from Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines 1 and the History,2 source of the quotes above. Details from family genealogists. His gravesite is on Findagrave. The flag he captured is now in collection of the Museum of the Confederacy, Richmond.

07/24/1842; Danvers, MA

06/03/1864; Washington, DC; burial in Pine Grove Cemetery, Lynn, MA