OBIT: EVANS, William; 1863; Ebensburg, Cambria Cnty., PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Patty Millich Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cambria/ _________________________________________ The Alleghanian Ebensburg, Pa. Thursday, 26 Feb 1863 Volume 4, Number 22 Two More Cambria Soldiers Dead: William W. Evans and Benjamin Davis We are grieved to have to announce the death in Richmond prison of two more of Cambria's brave sons – Sergt. William W. Evans of Co. A, 11th Pa. Reserves and Benjamin Davis of Co. C, 19th Regular Infantry. The former was wounded in the thigh at the battle of Fredericksburg where he fought long and valiantly; the latter on the hotly contested field of Murfreesboro – both falling into the hands of the enemy. Sergt. Evans was a resident of this place and leaves a widowed mother and several brothers and sisters to mourn his untimely loss. Young Davis lived in Cambria township. The Alleghanian Ebensburg, Pa. Thursday, 12 Mar 1863 Volume 4, Number 24 Sergt. William W. Evans In the list of jewels which Cambria county had been called upon to offer up during the present war as a sacrifice to our outraged nationality the name of Sergt. William W. Evans occupies a conspicuous and brilliant position. Educated and intelligent – with a mind well stored with useful knowledge – high-toned and chivalric, - his future was seemingly bright and glowing. No braver or better spirit ever buckled on the panoply of justice and went forth to dare Traitors to the issue than he; none nobler died in defense of the principles he had espoused. In the early morning of life, 'ere his manly aspirations and dreams of worldly greatness had been nearly achieved, out from this tempestuous world of turmoil and trouble, he is gone! It were useless to attempt to draw a parallel of his beautiful life, for his history is already written in the hearts of those who knew him but to love him. He is gone! - and we drop a silent tear to his memory and encircle his name with a halo of glory which will last for all coming time. Sergt. Evans was born in Ebensburg and was about 22 years of age at the period of his death. His widowed mother, brother and sisters still reside here. On the breaking out of the rebellion, he was among the first to enroll his name in the "Cambria Guards," for three years or during the war. He went out as a common soldier, but such was his worth and personal popularity that he was speedily promoted to a Corporalship and subsequently to a Sergeantship. He served with distinction during the entire campaign of his company up to the battle of Gaines' Hill before Richmond where he was slightly wounded. On this occasion he fell into the hands of the Rebels and underwent a captivity of some five or six weeks. At the battle for Fredericksburg, after fighting long and gallantly he was severely wounded in the thigh. Here again, he fell into the hands of the enemy and nothing whatever was heard of him until, three or four weeks since, a letter written by himself was received by his friends here, stating that he was wounded and a prisoner, but recovering as rapidly as circumstances would admit and expressing the belief that he would be exchanged and sent to Washington shortly. Alas! His hopes were destined to be crushed in darkness; for the next news heard of him was the announcement of his death in Libby Prison, Richmond, January 28th. Away from friends and home - from all he held most dear – he yielded his life on the altar of his country and went forth to claim the reward due those of whom it can be truly said, "Well done!" All that was mortal of him fills an unknown grave beneath the sanguinary soil of the Old Dominion; but – happy thought! - although his presence has gone out from us, his influence remains forever, "They never fail who die In a great cause: the block may soak their gore; Their heads may sodden in the sun; Their limbs Be strung to city gates and castle walls - But still their spirit walks abroad." By profession, Sergt. Evans was a printer, in which capacity he imbibed a partiality for reading and composition. For a long time after his connection with the army, he acted as war correspondent for THE ALLEGHANIAN and the letters under the signatures of "W" and "E," were much admired for their terseness, vigor and descriptive power. He was of a kind affectionate disposition, cheerful and buoyant – the life and light of his immediate circle. By this death a vacuum has been created, both at home in and in his company, which can never be filled. May he rest in peace! [The article below lists William Evans with a different middle initial.] The Alleghanian Ebensburg, Pa. Thursday, 19 Mar 1863 Volume 4, Number 25 Lines Written on the Death of William M. Evans who was Wounded at the Battle of Fredericksburg and subsequently Died He sleeps, alas! The sleep which knows no waking! Stranger, tread softly on the patriot's bed. Cease your wild tears, ye hearts with anguish breaking. - One hero more lies numbered with the dead. All the emotions of his fond heart checking, Bade he adieu to home and loved ones dear, No thought of danger or of foeman recking Love of his country, e'er to him most near, Answered he nobly to a nation's calling, Bravely pursued he where duty led the way, First in the ranks, death's missiles round him falling Soon on the ground, the gallant soldier lay. What though his form was so manly and so bright, What though his heart was joyous, gay and light, - The Death Angel heedeth no sad mourner's prayer - Snareth he neither the young nor the fair; Same beauty remaineth where sunlight hath fled So nightly in visions, returneth our dead; Though he sleeps in the his grave, far away, all alone, Yet we greet him in dream-land, and call him our own. Wrap then around him our flag – beloved emblem! Fit winding-sheet for the young and brave. And in that land where death cannot part them Shall the loved meet again: the land beyond the grave. [Signed] E. J. E.