White Flint Bill
Sergeant
- Joined
- Oct 9, 2017
- Location
- Southern Virginia
Harry Wooding served as the mayor of Danville, Virginia from 1892-1938, 46 consecutive years–believed to be the longest tenure of any mayor in American history. During his tenure Danville was transformed into an industrialized mill town, experiencing a surge in population as people moved to the city from the mountains and poor farms of the countryside to work at the mill.
In 1861, long before he began his career as mayor, 17-year-old Harry enlisted in the Danville Grays, a volunteer infantry company that became Company B of the 18th Virginia.
Harry was wounded at First Manassas. After his recovery he transferred to Company C of the 5th Virginia Cavalry, a company composed of local men.
During the fight at Kelly's Ford on March 17, 1863, Harry seized the regimental colors when the color-bearer's horse was shot, carrying them throughout the battle and earning praise for his courage.
Harry Wooding survived the war and lived to the ripe old age of 94.
Harry's older brother George Wooding commanded the Danville Artillery and died of wounds received at the Battle of Fredericksburg. Interestingly, at Sharpsburg George Wooding's battery was within the command of Major John Pelham. Major Pelham was later killed at the Battle of Kelly's Ford, on the day that young Harry Wooding carried his regiment's colors.
In 1861, long before he began his career as mayor, 17-year-old Harry enlisted in the Danville Grays, a volunteer infantry company that became Company B of the 18th Virginia.
Harry was wounded at First Manassas. After his recovery he transferred to Company C of the 5th Virginia Cavalry, a company composed of local men.
During the fight at Kelly's Ford on March 17, 1863, Harry seized the regimental colors when the color-bearer's horse was shot, carrying them throughout the battle and earning praise for his courage.
Harry Wooding survived the war and lived to the ripe old age of 94.
Harry's older brother George Wooding commanded the Danville Artillery and died of wounds received at the Battle of Fredericksburg. Interestingly, at Sharpsburg George Wooding's battery was within the command of Major John Pelham. Major Pelham was later killed at the Battle of Kelly's Ford, on the day that young Harry Wooding carried his regiment's colors.
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