In September 2021, I visited the grave of my great-grandfather's cousin, Private Lewis Schneck, who was from Schnecksville, Pennsylvania. He was 19 years old and serving in the 47th Pennsylvania Volunteers when he was killed by an artillery shell during the Battle of Cedar Creek on October 19, 1864. The Union army won that battle, a pivotal moment that helped ensure the reelection of Abraham Lincoln just weeks later. Up until his death, Lewis served a total of three years and five months, first enlisting at age 16 on May 30, 1861 with the 12th Pennsylvania Reserves, Company E. His company participated in the 2nd Battle of Bull Run and then in the Battle of Antietam. Next, Lewis enlisted with the 176th Pennsylvania Volunteers, Company G. Lastly, he enlisted with the 47th Pennsylvania Volunteers, Company K.
The Winchester National Cemetery is a beautiful, humbling place to visit. Each soldier buried in those long, neat rows was loved by their friends and families, who mourned their loss. More than 5,500 veterans are buried there- 4,400 are Union soldiers, with 2,400 lying in unmarked graves whose names are known only to God. "...they gave up their lives that the nation they loved so dearly should not perish from off the earth."
Негізгі бет Winchester National Cemetery, Virginia | Grave of Private Lewis Schneck
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