4th Pennsylvania Cavalry Research

[gary_g]

I am looking for information on a direct descendant of mine who was killed at the Battle of Antietam on September 17, 1862.

Colonel James H. Childs, 4th Pennsylvania Cavalry

Any information on where on the battlefield he was killed and where he may be buried would be most appreciated.

Apparently, according to my late paternal grandmother, Col. Childs was decapitated by a cannon shot.

I am going to the Antietam National Park next month to research further.

Sincerely,

Gary Gustin

[blue_zouave]

Gary, I am envious that you have such an illustrious ancestor! All mine were privates and I have nary a picture of any of them during the war.

Here are a couple of links:

http://www.pa-roots.com/~pacw/4thcavorg.html
http://www.pa-roots.com/~pacw/4thcavchilds.htm

The first gives a description of the 4ths actions at Antietam and of Col. Childs' death. The other is a picture of Col. Childs.

Zou

[gary_g]

Ms. George,

Thank you very much for those links, it was a great help. When I get to Sharpsburg next month, I will follow up.

It's interesting how all these years my Grandmother said that a cannonball caused a massive head wound on Col. Childs,here it was a massive abdominal wound that took him.

Bless your efforts.

Gary Gustin