This exhibit tells the story of Corporal William McCracken who served in the American Civil War with the 83rd Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. According to his pension records, McCracken was born on March 13, 1837. In the 1860 census, he is listed as a clerk in Hartford Borough, Pennsylvania. Physically, William was of light complexion, stood at 5’ 10”, and he had brown hair and blue eyes. In 1861, at the listed age of 22, he signed up as a volunteer and served in the Union Army for 3 years. The 83rd Infantry was present at the battles of Second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spotsylvania Courthouse, Petersburg, and the surrender at Appomattox Court House. McCracken died on February 25, 1911 in Erie County, Pennsylvania.
Research compiled by: Terri Downing, Logan Miller, Sally Nyhan, Robin Pulido, Keith Spencer, and Josh Wenzel.