Ernest Simpson

Gravestone of Ernest Simpson in Gettysburg National Cemetery

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Significance:

1st Light Artillery, Battery E

Place of Birth:

Germany

Date of Birth:

1839

Place of Death:

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Date of Death:

July 2, 1863

Place of Burial:

Rhode Island, Row A, Site #4

Cemetery Name:

Gettysburg National Cemetery

Rhode Island, Row A, Site #4

Other than a simple entry, born in Germany, there is no information available about Ernest's life before enlistment September 1861. Military records indicated that shortly after enlistment Ernest was hospitalized for an unspecified condition.
In January 1862, he was promoted to corporal. Ernest was again hospitalized for unspecified reason in August, but was back with the Rhode Island 1st Light Artillery during the Battle of Gettysburg.
The lieutenant of his battery reported Ernest's death premonition, imploring to be reassigned from his position as company clerk to take charge of a gun. His request was granted and within minutes of taking charge on July 2, 1863, Ernest premonition was confirmed when he was killed from a shot that nearly decapitated him. 

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