Genetic Lincoln

[Steve Whitlock]

I should have included more information for Lt. Bower, who I showed in the 1875 census; however, he died in Aug 1875 and I have attached his obit. His sister, Ida, may have acquired the relics at that time, unless he already gave them to her prior to his death. The obit mentions that he lost his right arm during action. He was originally in an artillery battery, but later was in the 24th Reg, Co. G Veteran Reserve Corp. The Veteran Reserve Corp was established to free more fit men to serve in battle while those with serious injuries, but who still wanted to support the war effort were assigned to the Veteran Reserve Corp. I have a document that lists Lt. William H. Bower assigned there, but it's 3.8 MB, and I can't attach it myself. From my notes:

5. William H. Bower, U.S. Civil War soldier, 1861-1865 Veteran Reserve Index. Second Lieutenant (Union) in the Veteran Reserve Corps 24the Regiment in Washington, DC, Company G. Note: See also, 22 V.R.C. (Note: Philip said this Corps was made up of wounded soldiers. William Bower lost an arm in Virginia.)

6. Another soldier, Private Milo Alfred Jones, wounded in Battle of Gettysburg July2, 1863 was transferred to 24th Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps and while serving was stationed in DC. He was one of the soldiers ordered to guard Ford's Theatre. Evidently there is a letter he wrote to his sister telling her of guarding the Ford Theatre.

The 2nd attachment shows a couple of soldiers guarding Ford's Theatre.