04/09/2025
Today marks 160 years since General Ulysses S Grant and General Robert E Lee signed and exchanged documents in the parlor of the McLean House at Appomattox Court House in Virginia that would bring the long National Nightmare of the Civil War to a close.
The 155th PA would play a well noted role in those forthcoming days to follow, having been selected to be part of the Brigade to receive the Formal Surrender on April 12th.
April 9th is also a notable day for the 155th due to the mortal wounding of the young Private William Montgomery of Pittsburgh. Having originally Enlisted in Company I on August 17th 1864, he took part in all actions from the Siege at Petersburg to Appomattox. Where on the morning of April 9, 1865, the 155th advanced towards the Mariah Wright House. At this time, William while loading his r***e was struck by a shot fired from a gun of the Richmond Howitzers, which was located at the Peers House. Fragments of the shell tore through William’s body as he fell to the ground mortally wounded. It was around this same time that word of the truce was coming down the line. His age is still a bit of debate, the Unit History "Under the Maltese Cross" (page 360) insists his age was 15, the Army Records indicate he was 18, I (as in Chris Aronhalt) am inclined to say 17 or 18 is more likely. Sadly, the young Private died of his wounds on April 29th 1865, he is buried at Poplar Grove National Cemetery (Part of Petersburg National Battlefield), div. E, section E, grave 265. He is widely considered to be the last Enlisted Man Killed in Battle in Virginia during the Civil War.
Photos: Under the Maltese Cross page 361 & Poplar Grove National Cemetery