Description

This albumen image of Corporal William J. Goodman was copied from the original glass image.  On the back of the image is printed the following:  “The glass from which this picture was made is preserved.  Copies can be obtained at any time.  Davis, 245 Main Street, Hartford, Connecticut.”  Some pressed wildflowers are in the frame with the image.  Below the image is written “Gettysburgh July 2nd 1863.”   An inscription on the back of the image reads “William J. Goodman Aged 29 years.  Killed at Gettysburgh July 2nd 1863.  Last words before going on the field:  ‘Thank God this battle is to be fought on free soil; and if I should be killed my body would not lie beneath soil cursed by slavery.'”  Goodman is depicted in civilian clothing with a patriotic shield on the lapel of his vest.  The shield was hand applied in ink.  The image is housed in a period 10 1/4″ x 8 1/4″ oval frame.

William J. Goodman enlisted on 9/15/1861 at Albany, NY as a corporal.  On 9/20/1861, he mustered into Co. H, 44th New York Infantry (also known as Ellsworth’s Avengers).  He was Killed on 7/2/1863 at Gettysburg, PA in defense of Little Round Top.  Goodman is buried at the Gettysburg National Cemetery, gravesite D-94, New York plot.

Although depicted in civilian clothing, this image represents a beautiful family memorial to their fallen loved one, killed at Gettysburg.