On November 25, 1863, Cpl. Josiah Davis of Company C was wounded in the right shoulder during the charge up Missionary Ridge. On December 16, 1863 Cpl. Davis died as a result of his wounds in a Chattanooga army hospital. Josiah’s wife, living in the Waveland, IN. area applied for a Federal Pension shortly after his passing. The letter below was written by Lieutenant S.A. Stillwell (Co. C), confirming to the pension examiner’s office that Cpl. Davis was wounded and died doing his duty.
“Head Quarters 40th Reg’t Ind. Vol. Infantry
Near Marietta, GA .June 26, 1864″
‘I here certify on honor that Josiah Davis
corporal of Company C 40th Reg’t Ind Vols.
Infantry died in military hospital Chattanooga,
Tenn, the 16th day of December 1863 in consequence
of gunshot wound received in the Battle of
Mission Ridge Tenn., on the 25th day of Nov. 1863.
I further certify that the said Josiah
Davis when wounded was in the ranks of
his company, and in the line of his duty.’
Signed S. A. Stillwell 1st Lieutenant
Comdg. Co. C 40th Reg’t Ind. Vols.
Six men from the Waveland area were killed as a result of the Missionary Ridge charge.Taylor McIntosh (Co. H), Cpl. Josiah Davis, Serg’t. William Galey, James Elrod, Lt. James Hanna, Cpl. Robert Hanna (Co. C) Josiah’s body was shipped home, as were three other members of his company (Hanna brothers & Galey), all four are buried in Freedom Cemetery, Montgomery Co., Indiana.
40th Indiana Infantry 