William Kirkland...Alabama

[ladytori]

I'm looking for help on WH Kirkland (can also be William, WL, William L, William H...tons of variations) who is listed on FOLD3 (as WH Kirkland). The form states he was killed in action on July 18th, 1864.

He was a Private in Co K, 61 Regiment, Alabama Infantry (which was first Co I 38th Regiment GA Volunteers and Co A 60th Regiment GA Volunteers).

I'm trying to figure out if this is the same man who was married to Delilah Kirkland of Henry County Alabama. When she filed for pension, she had no knowledge of his Company or Regiment so it is blank. It only states that he was in fact a soldier and died in action (per the probate judge).

I'd also like to find a final resting place (or as close to one as possible) for him so we can honor his sacrifice whether or not he is who I am looking for.

 

[Nathan Stuart]

Based on the bits of information provided, think it might be Pvte. William H. Kirkland, who was killed at the Battle of Snicker's Gap on July 18, 1864.

Kirkland, from Henry County, Alabama, enlisted in 2nd​ Co. I of 38th​ Georgia Voluntary Infantry on May 10, 1862. He transferred to 2nd​ Co. A , 60th​ Georgia Infantry, on March 1, 1863, and subsequently to Co. K, 61st​ Alabama Infantry, on April 11, 1864.

The Battle of Snicker's Gap (or Cool Springs), Virginia, was fought on July 17-18, 1864. Confederate casualties (in a force of about 8,000) at this engagement were estimated to total 397 ( 80 killed, 300 wounded and 17 missing/captured).

Found no burial/cemetery records for him. Suspect he was buried in an unknown/unmarked grave.

 

[lupaglupa]

I looked at the records for the William in the 61st AL, the 38 GA, and the 60 GA. All are consistent with each other that his middle initial was H and that he enlisted at Franklin, GA in 1862. There is a pension application associated with this man, filed by his widow Sarah. I'm guessing he's not your guy.

The 1860 Census shows William L and Delilah living in Henry County. The household above them is Aaron Kirkland, who is just a couple of years older than William and also born in South Carolina. Likely this is a brother.

Aaron enlisted in the 6th Alabama and there are numerous records for a William Kirkland in the unit. The middle initials vary widely and once they overlap with a Washington Kirkland. I think there are several men here and the records are mixed - it happens. But - this William Kirkland died February 11, 1865 in a hospital in Richmond of Typhoid fever. That looks like a better match to me.