Sergeant William O'Brian

Vermont 2nd Regiment Company A

Muster records show that he enlisted in Burlington, VT. on Sept. 15, 1862 and joined the Vermont Volunteers 2nd Regiment Company A. He was promoted to Corporal on Dec. 1, 1864 and to Sergeant on May 15, 1865. He was discharged by special order #154 and received a muster out pay of $39.98.

During the Civil War he was wounded twice. First at the second battle of Fredericksburg on May 3, 1863 and 2nd on Aug. 21, 1864 in Charles Town, VA. (now West VA.). He had hospital leave from May to November in 1863 and from August to November in 1864. He recovered from his wounds in the hospital at Brattleboro, VT.

He fought under Major General John Sedgwick, Brigadier General Albion P. Howe, Col. Lewis A. Grant and Col. James H. Walbridge. According to accounts written by Albion Howe of the day May 3, 1863, the regiment first came upon Cemetery Hill in Fredericksburg without resistance. It was from this point that they proceeded to Mayre's Heights and encountered the enemy. It is assumed that this is where William O'Brian was wounded in the right thigh. The battle here against the Confederates was successful.

William O'Brian was born in Ogdensburg, NY on April 7, 1833 and died on July 19, 1881 in Bennington, VT. His name has been spelled both O'Brian and O'Brien. His descendants spell the name O'Brien. His death certificate states that he was murdered. The account of his death was written up in the July 21, 1881 edition of the Bennington Banner, Bennington, Vermont.