The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1908-03-20
GARFIELD POST No. IS, G. A. R.
DEPT. OF MARYLAND

| DEPT. OF MARYLAND
March 10. 1908.
| On the 9th inst. there passed from us one OF
our heros of the war of the Rebellion.
Men, women and children have passed him on
the street and noticed perhaps q quiet unas-
Stunning man, intent upon his business, and have
gone their way without second look or thought
| yet they passed one OF the noble men OF our Re-
pub ic.
Comrade John J.. Wigton was born in Doyls-
| town. Bucks county. Pa, Feb. 8, 1916.
When the war OF the Rellion broke out In 1861
comrade Wigton was about sixteen old.
| Immediately on the call of President Lincoln
!! for troops Capt. Davis. of Doylstown, who com
manded q military CO. called his Co together
and announced his readiness to go to the defense
OF his Country and flag and asked those ready
and willing to go to step forward-about one-halt
of the Co marched to the front. Then he asked
for enough men to fill up his Co. Comrade Wig
ton was one of the first to respond and entered
his name upon the roll, but on account Of his
youth and the objections of his mother, Captain
Davis wonld not permit him to go.
Comrade Wigton then looked about him for
something to do and hired on farm. In May
he had saved sufficient funds, which he sent to
Philadelphia for three volumes of army tactics
which he studied with such industry that In a
very short time he was able to muster Company
of boys, and by August first had one of the best
drilled Companies that ever left the State.
After the three months service was at an end
Capt. Davis returned to Doylstown and was short
ly commissioned Colonel OF the 104th Regiment
Infantry.
| Immediately on opening his books for recruits
Comrade Wigton was among the first to respond,
his being the eighth name on the roll.
Colonel Davis recognizing the energy of the
young man made him eighth Corporal OF "a
Company of his regiment
Many of the officers of the regiment were with
out military training aud Comrade Wigton drilled
them in their duties tor about swo months while
in camp.
After the regiment had assumed Its place at the
front at the battle of Fair Oaks the Confederates
raised white flag which is regarded always as
call for truce.
Comrade Wigton's Company ZAP was directed
to march to "a convenient point and hear what
was to be said in reference to the summons, when
contrary to military law and usages the Con-
federates opened on the Company a merder ous
fire. fortunately for Comrade Wigton he carried
IN his pocket combination camp requisit con-
sisting of knife, fork and spoon. A ball struck
the spoon, glanced on ana cut a gaSn ABOUT TOUR
inches long and the depth of the ball along the
top of his hip. The wound took him to hospital
10 New York, from which he was furloughed to
his home until well again.
1t was while his regiment was on duty on the
coast of North Carolina that Comrade Wigton
showed the great soldier spirit and love for his
fellow. At night fall details were made to re.
ieve the out posts, to reach these posts the trip
had to be made by row boat, which was under
fire much of the time after emb lrcation.
One evening detail had been made. when one
of the men selected who had been writing home
to his wife and family. became so panic stricken
that he declared he could not go and begged to
be excused, as he was sure he would be shot,
Comrade Wigton seeing the mans pitlfnl condi-
ton stepped up to the Captain and sauting, said:
Captain. send me- I'll go In his stead.'
For this sacrifice he wore upon his breast
medal which no doubt hschildren viii prize long
after his ashes have returned to mother earth
He continued in the service until his term of
enlistment expired he then re-enlisted. serving as
commander his Company until the close OF the
war in 1865. when he was honorably discharged
Peace to his ashes.
BY THE POST,
IN r. c. 4 l..