Everard B. Welton

Everard Welton enlisted in Company H, as Second Sergeant on August 13, 1862 at Detroit, and was mustered into service on the same day. He was 22 years of age. He was born in Connecticut around 1840, and at the time the Regiment was mustered in he was working as an express clerk in Detroit. One one of the last of the "boys of 62" to join Colonel Morrow's regiment was Ferdinand Welton, who was almost certainly Everard's brother.

The war-time photograph at left is believed to be Everard B. Welton. For more information see "Mystery Photographs" in the Special Topics section.

By all accounts, Welton, was an excellent soldier. In recognition of his service and abilities, he was promoted to company First Sergeant on January 1, 1863.

At Gettysburg on July 1, 1863, the men of the 24th faced their greatest test. The original color bearer, Abel Peck, was the first man killed in the charge against Archer's Brigade. Charles Bellore, the second man to carry the colors was killed near the beginning of the afternoon's fight. August Earnest was the next to hold the colors aloft. When private Earnest fell carrying the colors, Everard Welton sprang forward to take them. He was not to carry them for long, however. Colonel Morrow took them from him and gave them to Color Corporal Andrew Wagner, allowing Welton to return to his proper place in Company H. A total of 10 men bore the the flag that day, five of whom were killed and two of who were wounded. One indication of the intensity of the fighting is that in the immediate aftermath of the Gettysburg, Everard B. Welton was only First Sergeant remaining with the Regiment (out of ten). Everard performed so well, in fact that he was promoted to First Lieutenant to date from July 9, 1863. For some unknown reason, he was not officially mustered at that rank until April 29, 1864.

Everard was fortunate enough to be assigned to recruiting duty in Michigan from January 4, 1864 until April 25, 1864, possibly accompanied by Ferdinand.

After the death of Adjutant Chilson, Everard was assigned to be the Acting Regimental Adjutant. He held this position through August 15, 1864. On that date, as the ranking officer in H, he assumed command of the company. Later he was assigned to be the Acting Assistant Provost Marshall at 3rd Division, 5th Corps Headquarters. He held this position from October 11, 1864 until "the surrender of Lee". Unlike the vast majority of the 24th, his service record indicates that he was present at Five Forks and Appomattox. Presumably he did not initially go to Camp butler with the rest of the Regiment.

At some point after Lee's surrender, Everard Welton rejoined the Regiment at Camp Butler. Everard mustered out with the Regiment at Detroit on June 30, 1865.

He was very active in veteran's affairs after the war, and was instrumental in organizing a number of regimental reunions. He also played a key role at Michigan Day at Gettysburg. The photograph at right dates to approximately that time (1889).

Everard B. Welton died on May 12, 1898.

CDV courtesy of the Dale Niessen huzzah@provide.net. Used with permission.
Post-war Photograph (c. 1890) taken from O. B. Curtis