Private Wesley Norwood, Co. F


(From unidentified newspaper clipping, presumably the Cortland Gazette& Banner, supplied by Richard Palmer)

Died.

In Harford on the 19th of May 1864, Corporal Wesley Norwood, only son of Philip G. Norwood, in the 23d year of his age. When his country called for volunteers he was the first in Harford, who enlisted in the 76th Reg't. he felt that the claims of country was higher than that of parents, and hastened to get his Father's consent after his name was enrolled.

Being at that time under age, loyal and patriotic parents could not say no! and another son of the Republic goes to share the fortunes of war. The 76th Reg't has seen hard service. Long and weary marches, and many bloody battles mark its record, but its spirit, energy and valor on many a tried field, placed it among the first regiments in the service. Corporal Norwood, was one of those young men, who wanted to see the war end, before he left the field.

We met him last December in the Division Hospital near Rappahannock Station. The luster of his eye, and the tone of firmness in which he said, "I want to see this thing through," told us that his hopes of the future was high, and that no trivial complaint would induce him to come home. Consumption marked him as its victim, and what the march, the bloody battle, and the exposure of camp life did not do to destroy his life, disease was sure to accomplish.

He was honorably discharged on the 17th of March, 1864, and breathed his last, at his Father's home. Patient amid his sufferings, and grateful that among those who loved him, he spent the few remaining weeks of life calmly awaiting his change. he was universally beloved by his commanding officers, and companions in arms. The remains were taken to the church at Harford, and an appropriate sermon preached by Rev. A. MacDougall of Dryden.

The long procession then formed and followed the hearse to the grave yard where the noble and true-hearted "young volunteer" rests till the morning of the Resurrection. Four of the Reg't attended his funeral. Three of these were "pall bearers." The fourth could not officiate in this capacity, having left a leg at Gettysburg. parents and friends feel deeply their loss, but the name of Wesley Norwood swells the "roll of Honor," and a grateful country appreciates his services and valor.

May God comfort and sustain the bereaved family, and impart to them every needed grace in this affliction.

Although the article above says that he was buried in Harford, Norwood is actually buried in the Marathon, NY, cemetery. Photo courtesy Tom Canfield. 


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- Last Updated December 1, 2008