Comrade William H. Witham was born in the State of New York, and was one of the first to respond to his country's call by enlisting in the 106th Regiment N.Y. Infantry Volunteers, where he served three years, Soon after leaving the army, he came to Minnesota, settling in Austin. Comrade Witham had been in poor health since his three years service in the army. He had applied for a pension, but through some technicality never received it.

No doubt his untimely death was caused by exposure and hardship while assisting to preserve us a Union, and we hope and pray that this great and wealthy Government will now assist his bereaved widow and orphans, who are left destitute. The Government Comrade Witham helped to preserve owed him a pension. He did not receive it. Now let justice be done the widow and orphans.

Comrades H. W. Elms, G.L. Case, W.H. Sutton - Committee

 

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NOTE: William is buried In Oakwood Cemetery in Austin MN. Section 3 Lot 144. William is the only Witham buried in Oakwood.

NOTE: From the 1880 census Mower Co. city of Austin, William was born 1843, and his wife Susannah born 1857, daughter Mamie M. born 1878, and son William J. born Feb. 1880.

NOTE: Susannah would have been about 28 when William died, with four small children.

Transcribed by Mark Ashley

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