David Chesteen Wood
David Chesteen Wood was born between Aug 3 and Sept 10, 1819 [based on the enumeration dates for the 1850 and 1860 Federal Census of Wyoming, Iowa County, WI] near Hopkinsville, Christian County, Kentucky to Ezekiel and Anny (Walker) Wood. David’s middle name (Chesteen) is rather unusual and I have not been able to determine where that name comes from. Often someone is named for a close relative or friend, but I cannot find anyone with the name of Chesteen in Ezekiel’s family or someone close to Ezekiel’s family.
![]() Land purchase June 1, 1858
As the Civil War broke out David decided to join the 12th Regiment of Wisconsin Volunteers at the age of 42 (the Muster-In document states his age as 43). This was very unusual since the average age of Civil War soldiers was 26. David enlisted on Sept 18, 1861 in Dodgeville, WI for a three year assignment, and was mustered in on Oct 18, 1861 in Madison, WI as a Corporal assigned to Company C, 12th Regiment of Wisconsin Infantry.
![]() David Chesteen Wood Civil War Portrait
![]() D C Wood's Enlistment Record
David was recorded in each of the Company Muster Rolls (Feb 28, 1862; March/April, 1862; May/June, 1862; July/Aug, 1862; Sept/Oct, 1862; Nov/Dec, 1862; Jan/Feb, 1863; April 11, 1863; March/April, 1863; May/June, 1863). The July/Aug, 1863 Company Muster Roll states that David “died in regimental hospital at Vicksburg 5 July 1863”. He died the day after Vicksburg surrendered on July 4, 1863.
![]() Final Muster Role for Company C, 12th Regiment Wisconsin Infantry
The Casualty Sheet which is part of David’s Compiled Service Record at the National Archives in Washington DC, incorrectly states he died at Gettysburg, PA. This Casualty Sheet is a summary of the information listed in the Register of Deceased Soldiers, Vol 3, 1863.
![]() Casualty Sheet for D C Wood
![]() Vicksburg, Mississippi National Cemetery Map ![]() David Chesteen Wood's Gravestone
For a comprehensive listing of the 12th Regiment’s Civil War activities and engagements click here (under construction).
More to come!
Sources
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