Ive received a very special gift today from my fathers side of the family. As some of you know I am very proud to be a true Virginian, just as my father and his before him. The Williams family started along the banks of the bay, built boats and ships for any that paid. Built a seafood packing and shipping company at the mouth of the York River that still survives. Then moved to Portsmouth to build ships for the CSA. Then the USN.
My Great Uncle lived near my father and was a great help sorting out my fathers things when he passed. Tomorrow is my 60th trip around the sun. He sent me my, many generations back Dogtags along with a button and shot. He served the CSA in the 1st VA In. Company E.
The tag was made from a silver dollar that was hammered out then stamped. Tags back then weren't meant for the Army but for families to locate their kin.
He survived until the Battle of Petersburg, his company was killed when they tried to tunnel under the lines and blow it up, The Crater.
My Great Uncle lived near my father and was a great help sorting out my fathers things when he passed. Tomorrow is my 60th trip around the sun. He sent me my, many generations back Dogtags along with a button and shot. He served the CSA in the 1st VA In. Company E.
The tag was made from a silver dollar that was hammered out then stamped. Tags back then weren't meant for the Army but for families to locate their kin.
He survived until the Battle of Petersburg, his company was killed when they tried to tunnel under the lines and blow it up, The Crater.