February 24, 1914 Joshua Chamberlain, the Lion of the Round Top, former Governor of Maine and Bowdoin College President passed away in Portland, Maine from complications of wounds he suffered in battle. Said to be the last casualty of the Civil War.IamSauerKraut t1_j9tx3qw wrote
The last claimed Civil War participant to die was Alfred Henry Woolson. Interestingly, the year of death appears to be in dispute: either 1953 or 1956 or 1959. DOB is agreed upon, 1843, as is his role during the Civil War: drummer boy. He was either 106 or 109 upon death.
In close second was Col. Walter Williams. He is said to have congratulated Woolson on reaching 109. But the dates of their last appearances and deaths clash. Cannot be in grand marshall in a parade once dead.
Bruce Caton stated years ago that 1950 saw 65 Civil War vets still alive. But none in 1960. 1950, however, was long after 1914. Which adds a bit of a question to the claim re Col. Chamberlain.
Unionforever1865 OP t1_j9txafq wrote
Chamberlain died as a result of his wounds. That’s what casualty means.
Henry Woolson definitely died in 1956
IamSauerKraut t1_j9u10bk wrote
It's a fine slice for a man who dies when he is 85.
Here is one bit on Woolson: https://npsgnmp.wordpress.com/2012/10/19/the-last-veteran/ Note the paragraphs dedicated to another drummer boy, James Marion Lurvey, born in Palmyra, ME.
coydog23 t1_j9txd1y wrote
He is thought to be the last Civil War veteran to die from wounds received during combat, not so much the last Civil War veteran to die. His wounds were not pleasant.
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