DeWitt Clinton Southwick: An American Civil War Story

DeWitt was a young man of 20 when he enlisted in the 14th Iowa Infantry, Company G, on October 29, 1861. Full of youthful vigor and a sense of duty, he eagerly joined the ranks of his fellow soldiers to fight for his beliefs. On November 2, 1861, he was mustered into service, ready to face the horrors of war.

DeWitt proved himself in battle, participating in the fierce fight at Fort Donelson. However, it was during the Battle of Shiloh that he truly displayed his courage and dedication. He fought valiantly in the infamous Hornets' Nest segment, holding his ground amidst the chaos and carnage. Sadly, his bravery came at a cost. DeWitt was captured by Confederate forces and endured the hardships of imprisonment.

After his release, DeWitt's health began to decline. The physical and emotional toll of war had taken its toll on his young body. His once vibrant spirit dimmed, and he succumbed to his illness on August 20, 1862, in St. Louis, Missouri.

DeWitt's final resting place is in the hallowed grounds of the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. His sacrifice and dedication are forever memorialized in Section 1, Grave 85. Though his life was cut short by the horrors of war, his memory lives on as a testament to the bravery and resilience of those who fought in the Civil War.

The devastating impact of the Civil War on families cannot be understated. One family that suffered greatly was the Southwicks. Nathan Southwick and Susan Guy were a loving couple who hailed from a small town in Pennsylvania. They watched in anguish as their eldest son, Dewitt Southwick, enlisted in the Union Army. News of Dewitt's death on the battlefield shattered their hearts, leaving a void that could never be filled.

In a desperate attempt to honor his fallen brother, Guy Southwick, the younger sibling, enlisted in the 16th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Sadly, his fate mirrored Dewitt's, as Guy was killed just six months later at the infamous Battle of Gettysburg. The Southwicks had lost both their sons, their hopes, and dreams for the future dashed by the horrors of war.

Despite the unbearable grief, the family's legacy lived on. Descendants of Nathan and Susan continued to use the names Dewitt and Guy in subsequent generations, a testament to the enduring memory of their sacrifice. Over time, the family scattered across various locations, seeking solace and a fresh start. Some settled in Michigan, while others made their homes in Cook County, Illinois, and near Springfield, Missouri.

Each generation carried the weight of their ancestors' sacrifice, their hearts heavy with the knowledge of the devastating toll war had taken on their family. Yet, they persevered, finding solace in the strength passed down from Dewitt and Guy Southwick, forever etched in their family's history.

The historical records and research interest surrounding Civil War veterans have captivated the minds of scholars and enthusiasts alike. Amongst the vast array of documented accounts, there lies a treasure trove of information for those intrigued by the experiences of soldiers from the 14th Iowa.

One soldier, whose name has become synonymous with bravery and resilience, was DeWitt. He fought alongside his fellow soldiers, forming an unbreakable bond that transcended the horrors of war. A comrade-in-arms, close to DeWitt, meticulously chronicled their journey in a detailed diary. Another soldier, recognizing the importance of communication, wrote heartfelt letters home, sharing the triumphs and tribulations of their service.

These invaluable documents, which contain mentions of DeWitt, have been painstakingly published and are is accessible through the Traer Iowa Museum's website. For researchers and descendants interested in the Southwick family line, particularly those related to Nathan Southwick and Susan Guy, this collection is a priceless resource offering glimpses into their ancestors' lives.

Despite the wealth of information available, one aspect still eludes the avid researchers - the photographs of DeWitt and Guy from their time in service. The Traer Museum actively encourages individuals who possess such photographs or any related information to come forward and share their findings. These visual relics would undoubtedly enhance our understanding of these courageous individuals and further enrich the historical narrative surrounding the Civil War.

In the pursuit of knowledge and remembrance, the Traer Museum and its dedicated team strive to honor the legacy of these remarkable soldiers and ensure that their stories are preserved for generations to come.