The Stamford Historical Society Presents
Stamford's
Civil War: At Home and in the Field
a 2003 Exhibit and more
Casualties and Causes of Death
One hundred of the men listed in Huntington's Stamford Soldiers' Memorial Casualty List came from the 3rd, 6th, 10th, 13th, 17th, 28th, 29th regiments and the 1st Heavy Artillery. This group accounts for nearly all Stamford men who died as a result of their participation in the Civil War. A small number of the men mentioned died after their tour of duty was over. William Hobby (3rd Reg.) was struck by a train; Captain Benjamin Greaves (10th Reg.) died of 'consumption of the brain' in New York City, and Horace Hobby died in 1866 finally of illnesses resulting from a long captivity in Andersonville Prison. The majority of the men, however died of diseases or illness contracted during their service. Of the 97 deaths listed occurring between 1861 and 1865, 42 listed illness as the cause of death. For some typhoid, dysentery, and measles are given as specific causes. Another large group died of wounds sustained during battle. In this case, it is unclear whether the wounds themselves were fatal or whether disease set in the wounds and ultimately caused death. Thirteen men died of their combat wounds. Another group of soldiers died either during captivity or shortly after being freed. A number of these men were held at the notorious Andersonville Prison. Thirteen men died either during or shortly after being held prisoner. Only fourteen Stamford soldiers were directly killed in combat. The cause of death of the remaining men was listed unknown, but it is very likely that disease was at work. Disease was a far greater threat to the soldiers than the enemies bullets. It can be estimated that 80% of the Stamford casualties were disease related.
List
of Casualties, All Regiments in the Roster
Regimental
Histories
