| Birth: | 1843 | | Death: | May 25, 1864 | 
John Hill enlisted at Elmira, NY in August 1862. He was nineteen years old. He had a light complexion, blue eyes, and light hair.
The 107th New York infantry saw battle for the first time at Antietam, Maryland.They reinforced Cothran's battery just north of the infamous cornfield. The 107th was at Fredericksburg, and participated in the "mud march". They were present at Chancellorseville,May1-5, and Gettysburg, July 1,2,3 and helped pursue Lee to Warrenton junction.
An anecdote from Gettysburg tells of a young picket (guard) who fell asleep on duty. This was a crime punishable by death under such circumstances. Lieut. Hill quietly woke him, and without chiding him or reporting him to his superiors,sent him back to camp. Mr. Hill was described as being quiet, brave, modest, loved by all.
The troops remained along the Rappahannock river until late in 1863 when they were sent to the western theater at Bridgeport Ala. The lieut. would serve in this region with Gen. Sherman until his death on May 25 at New Hope Church, or as it came to be known, "The Hell Hole". During a heavy rainstorm and in dense woods the 107th, covering the right flank, approached the enemy lines near New Hope Church. It was late afternoon. What was thought to be lightly defended works commanded by John B. Hood, Turned out to be 5000 troops supported by at least 16 cannon. They had the added advantage of being on the high ground. The Federals were cut down by "A hailstorm of grape, cannister, minie ball, and buckshot".
After repeated, and arguably pointless assaults on the enemy works, the Union troops retired. Gen. Sherman had realized his mistake and tried to cut his losses. In these desperate charges many men fell. The first division alone took 1200 casualties. Lieutenant Hill was one of them, having been shot in the head. Also a number of men from the disbanded 145th New York, just transferred in, fell. Some of those transferred were from Staten Island, New York. The 107th had 165 casualties, 27 being killed outright. 16 died later.
The army lay on the field. On May 26th a group of soldiers searched for Lieut. Hill.They find him, but can not immediately recover the body. They discover that he has been stripped. Later,Under cover of darkness, they retrieve his body and bury him at 7:00AM on the May 27th.
| | | Burial:
Marietta National Cemetery
Marietta
Cobb County
Georgia, USA
Plot: C-2281 |
Created by: Tony cossean
Record added: Oct 22, 2005
Find A Grave Memorial# 12134798 |
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