Civil War Soldier Identified
The identity of a letter-writing soldier is now known. Research done by Historical Society member, Gail Towle, reveals that Orderly J.W. West was Jacob W. West who enlisted at the age of 28 and served as an orderly with the 7th Infantry Regiment. He was later promoted to 1st sergeant.
Jacob lived on Canterbury Road near the Loudon town line with wife Christiana and three young children. Jacob died at General Hospital, Hilton Head, SC on Aug 5th, 1863 from wounds suffered on July 16th in an assault on Fort Wagner.
Jacob’s letter is part of the Historical Society’s current exhibit, “More Letters and Diaries From Our Archives”. Exhibit ends April 23rd.
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