Edwin B Wight

Edwin B. Wight was a native of Detroit and was a graduate of the University of Michigan. He had studied law and was then "extensively engaged in the lumber business". He was only 24 years old during the summer of 1862, but was already a recognized and respected member of the community. Edwin was appointed Captain of Company A on July 26, 1862. He was actively involved in recruiting the entire Regiment, not just his own Company, and spoke at many of the rallies throughout the county.

By August 6, 1862 Company A was completely recruited, assembled and had reported to Camp Barnes. The regiment spent a few weeks there learning the "art of the soldier". For the officers there was much to do. Edwin was very astute and learned his duties and responsibilities very quickly.

In the aftermath of Fredericksburg, the Regiment settled in and built winter quarters. Many of the officers' wives came to send some time with their husbands. Other "friends of the Regiment" came to visit as well. "While in camp opposite Fredericksburg, after the battle, the regiment received an agreeable visit of three days from Mr. Stanley G. Wight of Detroit, a brother of Captain Edwin B. Wight. He was a staunch friend of the regiment and during its recruitment period, contributed liberally in its behalf." (Curtis p. 102)

During the winter of 1862-1863, Henry Nall, the original Major of the 24th became quite ill, and was eventually forced to resign his commission. Colonel Morrow had several candidates for the vacant position. Many of the other officers considered Albert Edwards to be the best choice. Colonel Morrow thought that Edwards was still a little "raw". Morrow appointed Edwin acting Major on December 18, 1862. He held this temporary rank until Nall's death. Edwin B. Wight was mustered in as a full major on June 22, 1863 to rank from June 1, 1863.

The duties of a Major were quite a bit more demanding, and Edwin undoubtedly found a mountain of paperwork awaiting his attention. Amongst the other duties, he was appointed to try Regimental Court Martial cases (for less serious offenses) on December 24, 1862.

He was wounded on the third line of battle at Gettysburg on July 1, 1863 at Gettysburg. When battle began he was attending to duties at Brigade Headquarters, but he rushed forward as soon as possible. He was just in time, because Lt. Colonel Flanigan was wounded early in the action and Colonel Morrow needed help controlling the Regiment. Augustus Ziegler of Company A wrote a letter that describes Major Wight's wounding in some detail.

Edwin Wight realized that he would not be able to resume his responsibilities with the Regiment. He consulted specialists who warned that he risked losing his sight entirely. Edwin Wight tendered his resignation in September 1863. It took several months for it to be accepted, however. Being a dutiful soldier, Edwin returned to duty with the Regiment while it was at Camp Peck near Culpepper, Virginia. His resignation was finally accepted, and he was honorably discharged for wounds on November 17, 1863. The Regimental, Division and Corps Surgeons all pronounced him unfit for further duty in the field. He left the Regiment on November 20, 1863 while the Regiment was near Beverly Ford, Virginia.

According to Smith (p.166)

"On the day he left the unit a formal ceremony was held, but the real farewell to him came afterward when the entire Regiment walked up to shake his hand, his old company, A, walking alongside his carriage for a considerable distance, a self appointed guard of honor. "

At some point later in life, Edwin moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he was living in 1889. He attended Michigan Day at Gettysburg in 1889, where he gave the Address of Dedication for the 24th's monument. Edwin B. Wight presented a copy of O.B. Curtis' book to at least one of the men in his old Company, Walter S. Niles. The book is in the collections of the Sanilac County Historical Society. The photograph at left is from Curtis, and is thought to date from circa 1889.

Since Edwin B. Wight is not listed in the 1903 Roster of the Survivors of the Iron Brigade, we can only assume that he passed on at some point between 1891 and 1903.

Edwin B. Wight was in the battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. He was on the Mud March, Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions, and the Campaign on Maneuvers.

Wight CDV courtesy of Scott D. Hann. Used with permission.

Post-war image is from Curtis (p. 418)