William Palmer

A 27 year old machinist in Randolph, MA, he enlisted 16 April 1861 and mustered as Corporal, Company D, 4th Massachusetts Infantry on 22 April. He mustered out on 22 July 1861. On 19 August 1862 he was commissioned First Lieutenant, Company E, 35th Massachusetts Infantry.

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

A conoidal ball entered over the left ilio-pubic eminence, and, breaking the body of the left pubis, passed inward, downward, and to the right, penetrated the bladder near its summit, lodging in its cavity.

He was treated at the Locust Spring field hospital on the Geeting Farm near Keedysville, Md. The bullet was located on 21 September, by which time William was somewhat emaciated and in considerable pain. Surgeons removed the bullet and bone fragments and repaired his bladder on the 25th. His surgeon had hope as late as 8 October that he would recover, but "in spite of the most careful sustaining measures the patient sank exhausted" and died of his wounds on 13 October 1862.

Service information from Soldiers, Sailors and Marines.1 Medical details and the quotes above from the MSHWR.2 His gravesite is on Findagrave.

1833

10/13/1862; Keedysville, MD; burial in Central Cemetery, Randolph, MA