First Death at Gettysburg

 Today even with the snow, I decided to stop at the place near the Gettysburg battlefield, that I've never been to -  the grave of George Sandoe 

                                                         (George W. Sandoe)

 

                                                        (Sandoe's headstone)

 

                                                    (other grave sites at the church)

Sandoe is buried at the Mt. Joy Cemetery next to the Lutheran Church off of Taneytown Rd. According to the 1860 Census , he was 17 in 1860 and lived in Cumberland Township. His headstone states that he died at 21. 

Sandoe was attached to what would become the 21st Pennsylvania Cavalry. On June 26th 1863, Confederate General Jubal Early sent troops under Gen. Gordon and the 35th Virginia Cavalry also called the "Comanches" into Gettysburg. The Confederates asked for tribute but none was paid. The troops burned parts of the town including a railroad bridge. They skirmished with some volunteer troops and Sandoe's unit. Sandoe's unit was ordered to flee. As he was attempting to flee, a Confederate cavalryman shot him in the head.  Years later a marker was set along the Baltimore Pike (Route 97) . It mentions Sandoe, - the first Union soldier to die at Gettysburg. 

                                                    (marker - taken in 20220)