William Thomas Broadwell (1844-1943) of Co. F, 38th Georgia Infantry, after the war left Elbert County, GA for nearby Lowndesville, Abbeville County, South Carolina, where he resided and is buried. He applied for a Confederate pension in 1919, and in 1939 moved to the Confederate Soldiers' Home in Columbia. Broadwell was the last surviving Confederate veteran from Abbeville County. His pension application and application for admission into the Confederate Soldiers' Home record his first name as "Wilson", but William is used most of the time, including his obituary. His parents were John M. Broadwell and Mary Ann Turner of Elbert County, Georgia.

I am seeking evidence Broadwell fought at the July 1-3, 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, as his service records indicate he was present for duty during that time period. Nothing was mentioned in the June-July 1938 Abbeville newspaper during the time of the 75th Anniversary of Gettysburg; nor was there any mention of Gettysburg in his obituary from the October 1943 Abbeville newspaper following his death at the age of 99. The 38th Georgia casualty list for Gettysburg does not record his name as a casualty.

Again, I'm trying to confirm Broadwell was indeed "present" at the 1863 battle. Considering his advanced age I'm in hopes he gave an interview at some point that covered his service in the war, and mentioned his time at Gettysburg. Information is needed for my upcoming book on Georgia's considerable role at Gettysburg.

Any assistance or suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Greg C. White

author, "A History of the 31st Georgia Volunteer Infantry" (Butternut And Blue, Baltimore, 1997)