William Henry Barnum was a Corporal in Company "K", 7th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, Iron Brigade, during the Civil War. He was wounded on 1 July 1863, at the Battle of Gettysburg (1-3 July 1863). William was a victim of the first skirmish on the first day of the battle. He suffered either a stomach or chest wound and struggled for almost two weeks before he finally died on 16 July as a result of his wounds. He was buried at Gettysburg National Cemetery.
The Iron Brigade initially consisted of the 2nd, 6th, and 7th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiments, the 19th Indiana, Battery B of the 4th U.S. Light Artillery, and was later joined by the 24th Michigan. This composition of men from three Western states (states that are today considered Midwestern) led it to be sometimes referred to as the Iron Brigade of the West. They were known throughout the war as the Black Hats because of the black 1858 model Hardee hats issued to Army regulars, rather than the blue kepis worn in most other units.
The Battle of Gettysburg was one of the major engagements in the Civil War, and is generally regarded as its turning point. Losses were among the war's heaviest: of 88,000 Northern troops, casualties numbered about 23,000; out of 75,000 Southerners, more than 20,000.
Company "K", Barnum, William H. Born: 1837 - Died: July 16, 1863. Residence at time of enlistment: Newark, Rock Co., WI. Enlisted: August 30, 1861 as a Corporal. WIA - July 1, 1863 Gettysburg, PA. Died of those wounds at Seminary Hospital, Gettysburg, PA. Buried: Gettysburg National Cemetery. Gravesite: C-2, Wisconsin Plot.
U.S. Veterans Gravesites, ca.1775-2006. Name: William H Barnum; Service Info.: Cpl Co K 7th Wis Inf; Death Date: 16 Jul 1863; Cemetery: Gettysburg National Military Park; Cemetery Address: 97 Taney Town Road Gettysburg, PA 17325; Buried At: Section C Site 2.
He died without issue.