George Wilson, Jr.

He was a plumber working for his father in New York City when he enlisted on 17 April 1861 at age 22 as a Private in Company A of the 2nd New York Militia (82nd Infantry) Regiment, mustering on 21 May 1861. He transferred to Company D on 15 July 1861. He was promoted to Corporal and Sergeant, dates not given.

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

His parents George and Margaret Wilson arranged with Sharpsburg resident Aaron Good to recover and return Sergeant Wilson's remains home by train in May 1863. They later wrote him a testimonial letter about that service:

New York
85 W. 26th St.
4 June 1863

Mr. Aaron Good

Dear Sir,

We received the remains of our son George Wilson (who fell at the Battle of Antietam on Sept. 17th 1862) on last Friday evening at 6 o'clock, but had got a letter in the morning notifying us of their coming. On their arrival we felt satisfied that you had transacted your part of the contract faithfully and honorably, and likewise felt happy to see that you had paid that respect to the remains of one whom we had loved so dearly and had built our future hopes on more than we can describe at present.

If this communication can be of any service in inducing others to bring home the remains of their relatives we consider it our duty to certify through this how we appreciate your kindness in fulfilling your share of our most anxious hopes, with the assurance that they may place all confidence in you and the expeditious manner in which everything had been arranged to our entire satisfaction.

George & Margaret Wilson

Basic information from State of New York1. The letter from Wilson's parents to Aaron Good is in the museum at Antietam National Battlefield. Personal details thanks to Robert S. Leshinski. Alexander Wilson, George's younger brother and Robert's Great-Grandfather served in the US Navy 1864-65 and survived the War.

c. 1839; Aberdeen, SCOTLAND

09/17/1862; Sharpsburg, MD; burial in Bayview-New York Bay Cemetery, Jersey City, NJ