Alfred G. Gardner

Gravestone of Alfred G. Gardner in Gettysburg National Cemetery

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Significance:

1st Light Artillery, Battery B

Place of Birth:

Swansea, Bristol County, Massachusetts

Date of Birth:

December 25,1821

Place of Death:

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Date of Death:

July 2, 1863

Place of Burial:

Rhode Island, Row B, Site #3

Cemetery Name:

Gettysburg National Cemetery

Rhode Island, Row B, Site #3

Though born in Massachusetts, Alfred made his home in Providence, Rhode Island with his wife and children, working as a farmer and gardener until his enlistment in August 1861. During the Battle of Gettysburg, Alfred was struck in the shoulder by a cannonball almost severing his arm, a wound so shocking as to cause Alfred to delirious call out, "Glory be to God. I am happy. Hallelujah. Tell my wife I died happy." Minutes later, corporal Gardner succumbed to his mortal wound. He was survived by Adelia his wife (married February 1845) and four children - Ida 13, Lillian 9, Margaret 4 and Alfred 7.  

Tags: gettysburg national military park, american civil war, battlefield, burial, cemetery, civil war, education, gettysburg, gettysburg national cemetery, historic preservation, military, national cemeteries