Webster Abial Wood

Young Webster
Probably Early War Post-War Photograph

Webster was born in Livonia Township, on November 24, 1841. His father was one of the early pioneers of the area. The Wood family was Methodist, and probably had heard some of William Way's sermons.

Webster is probably related in some fashion to at least two other members of the Regiment, David A. Wood and Wallace A. Wood. According to the 1860 census Webster's father, Abial, was a brick maker. Included among his household was a young man named Wallace Wood. In all probability, Wallace was Webster's cousin. Other lines of evidence associate David with Wallace, and by extension to Webster. Further supporting this hypothesis, both Webster and Wallace were to later take up Abial's trade of brickmaker.

At the time of the Regiment's formation, Webster Wood was a 20 year old student at Ypsilanti State Normal College- which is now Eastern Michigan University. He was home from school when he enlisted in Company K, as a Musician on August 5, 1862, at Livonia. He was mustered into service on August 13, 1862. Originally a fifer, he later became a drummer. Heavy casualties at the Wilderness and Spottsylvania (Laurel Hill), necessitated doing away with the regimental band on May 19, 1864. Based on his diaries, Webster continued to serve as a musician and other special duties. Based on post-war accounts, Webster also served as a dispatch bearer for Colonel Morrow. His obituary states that he was in charge of the drum corps at President Lincoln's Funeral at Springfield, Illinois on May 4, 1865. Webster Abial Wood mustered out with the Regiment at Detroit on June 30, 1865..

Webster married in 1865 to Carrie E. Porter of Pontiac. The young couple had 3 children, Eddie, Gracie, and Harry. Immediately after the war, Webster worked in Livonia as a brick maker for about year. He moved his family to nearby Northville in a1884. Later, Webster was involved in the wholesale manufacturer of fish spears. He and his wife, Caroline, are buried. in Northville, Michigan

After the war, Webster was interested in veterans affairs. He was a member of the GAR, Allen M. Harmon Post #318, in Northville. At some point he visited Gettysburg and sent home post cards to his family, although he did not attend "Michigan Day At Gettysburg" in 1889.

Webster died on May 19, 1919 after a brief illness.

A number of artifacts associated with Webster have survived and been passed down by his family. Webster kept diaries for 1862, 1863, and 1864. Unfortunately the diary for 1863 is missing.

Webster kept the drum that he used during the war. By the time of his death, however, the drum had disappeared. In a similar vein, his Hardee Hat and uniform were burned approximately 20 years ago, before anyone recognized their historical significance.

Webster carved the bone watch fob, and his name and "Twenty Fourth Mich." are incised around its circumference. The back has the headed lyre, symbol of a free Irishman. His diaries also indicate that he carved and sold similar pieces to other members of the regiment.

The scrap of red cloth is probably a remnant of the red cloth disk that signified the first division of the First Corps. The medal is of the type known as a "ladder badge" and is composed of interchangeable rungs. NOTE the 5th Corps Cross.

Information and Photographs Courtesy of H. Webster Wood: wwk@mail.thewild.com