The Youngest Soldier Of The Civil War Found In The Woods Of Georgia

Only 7 years old when he went off with the Confederate Army

[AdventuresIntoHistory]

I have been curious about Benjamin Williams or “Uncle Tobe” (as he was known to his family) ever since I first came across his grave. So young during the war to be a Civil War veteran. I wondered if he just might be the youngest Civil War soldier. Not long after an area historian filled in some details.... he was a wagon driver, and the youngest soldier on either side during the Civil War. If you Google “youngest Civil War soldier” Benjamin Williams name does not come up. Rather a Union Solider who was 8 years old. It seems “Uncle Tobe” has fallen through the cracks of history, resting with his family in the Georgia woods.

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[barbthomas]

I can't imagine what his mother was going through with him being in a war at that age! I agree with the others, this cemetery needs to be protected.

[rubydragon]

Amazing. His grave needs a historical marker for sure. Imagine the things that he saw, endured and survived. Love this one so much.

[candicespencer]

Thank you so much for sharing this! My son served and died in Iraq and was stationed at Fort Benning. I am so thankful for all who have served .

[teop]

PLEASE DO NOT DISCLOSE THE LOCATION.
The thugs defacing and toppling anything related to the Civil War (including Grant... which makes no sense), woul likely desecrate his tomb and remains.

[Lisa_the_Cottage_Witch]

This needs to be preserved as a historic site.

[williamyorkolepossum]

Amazing!!! This young soldier lived a long life. I was born in 1943 and my Grandfather fought in
the war. How often we forget that we are living on captured land. God Bless.

[caroleannseaton]

He needs to be respected more with an historical tablet.

[redpill]

Amazing. I see a book or a movie in this story of a 7 year old serving actively in war. Unreal! Great job Robert 💖👍🇺🇸

[scarletloom]

WOW JUST WOW.
JUST A BABY, GOD BLESS HIM.

[KayleenTkaczyk]

Wow. Really hits home as I watch my son who turns 7 soon play. Couldn’t imagine. It was a different world back then!

[davidandingem.]

Wow! How about the youngest ever serving in any US Army? This needs reporting to the federal authorities....it is amazing and I can see Hollywood making a fantastic movie about him as they would do research. You and your son deserve all the credit and I would really like or you to contact a producer for the move, Not a documentary hours long few ever see, but a hit in theaters! This was meant to be; he rested practically unknown were it not for you and Cody. Find out the legality, of any for you presenting him to the public at large, People deserve to know about him. They had boys serve as buglers and cook's helpers and on ships as cabin boys or runners, very young too, but I never heard of a 7 year old. Thank you for your amazing videos! My day got so much better seeing this. Good news is rare these days and it came just right for Memorial Day! Benjamin Williams is not forgotten!

[tomhirons]

That needs a government clean up and to be very preserved.

[cindysmith]

I hope to God that the enemies of America do not desecrate these graves.

[laurabrooks]

The youngest Union soldier to fight in the Civil War was a boy named Edward Black. Edward was born on May 30 in 1853, making him just 8 years old when he joined the Union army on July 24, 1861 as a drummer boy for the 21st Indiana volunteers.

[michelleschmidt]

I love that you take the time to dig into these things for us!

[RhettyforHistory]

I have added a photo of him on findagrave. This is interesting because for the longest time as far as I know it's been widely accepted that Johnny Clem is the youngest person in the military whether Union or Confederate and he was 10. Somewhere there has to be some sort of paperwork somewhere I would think in order for him to get the government marker.

[paulbrennan]

I'm glad you returned with that amazing history. I was wondering about such a young person serving in the Civil War. Thank you.

[nicholascrowder]

Hey Robert. That is amazing you found the youngest soldier during the war. He deserves love and respect! Also the first confederate soldier to die was Henry Lawson Wyatt. He's laid to rest in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia. Henry was only 19 at the time.

[shannahuffman]

That is amazing that you found out what he did . Can't imagine being 7 years old and seeing what he did