I am trying to find out anything I can about what happened to Private W. W. White, Company F, 62nd Alabama Infantry - who may be one of my ancestors. Based upon census records, I believe his name is William Westly or Westly William White, but I have no evidence to support my speculation.

In the 1850 Census for Walton County, Georgia, Westly White (age 6 – born about 1844) appears in the household of Wm White and Sarah. The family moved to Talladega County, Alabama a few years later. In the 1860 Census for Talladega County, Alabama, William White (age 13 – born about 1847) appears in the household of Wm D. White and Sarah. This is the same family and same son – other siblings are also listed. Apparently the age was off a little (I believe) in the (first) census.

In the Confederate Service Records for Alabama, M311, Roll 479, W. W. White, Private, Company F, 62nd Alabama Infantry appears. On a Company muster roll for July 12, 1864 to August 31, 1864, is an annotation that he enlisted on April 16 [1864] by B. M. Huey. “Never paid”. Reported Absent [as of August 31]. Remarks: “Prisoner of war. Captured at Fort Gaines on August 7 [1864]. Age when enlisted 17 years old.” These are the only entries in the file. ( I looked at a lot of Alabama records with W. White and W. W. White and this seems to be the most reasonable choice, based upon a couple of things, including his future brother in law John D. Browning, who was nearly the same age, enlisted at the same time in the same regiment.)

I know that Fort Gaines was near Mobile, Alabama and a battle was fought there on August 7, 1864. The research I did, indicated he may have been taken on a prison ship to New Orleans, but he does not appear on any rosters I have found, so I speculate he never made it to New Orleans – or where ever he was taken - alive.

If you can provide me any additional information about what may have happened (or where he was buried) to W. W. White, I would greatly appreciate any information.