Albert Woolsen in his drummer boy uniform. The Duluthian was the last surviving member of the Union Army. (Image: Duluth Public Library.)
On this day in 1956, Albert Woolsen, the last surviving union soldier of the Civil War, died in Duluth, the city he first moved to in 1862 when he was just 14 years old. At 17, Woolsen joined the Union Army as a “volunteer private.” He was assigned to Company C of the First Minnesota Heavy Artillery Regiment, detailed to the drum corps—Albert Woolsen was a drummer boy. He saw no action, but witnessed Sherman’s March. Woolsen lived most of his life in Duluth at 215 East 5th Street. Woolsen belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic, a Union Civil War veteran’s group; when he died, the group was dissolved. When he was 105, he recommended the following for a long life: 1. exercise, used judiciously, 2. not worrying over trifles, and 3. due respect for the laws of nature, such as not overeating. “Moderation in all things; that goes for whiskey, women, and food.” His life was honored by one of the largest funerals ever held in Duluth, at the Armory on London Road. A statue of him stands at Gettysburgh, representing the entire Grand Army of the Republic; a replica of that statue can be found outside Duluth’s Union Depot. Read the New York Times account of Woolsen’s funeral here and discover more about the statue at Gettysburgh here.
My husband and I remember we gave pennies in school as a donation for Woolson’s statue.
It was hard to believe that he died before he moved to Duluth at the age of 14 in 1862. Besides, I saw him riding in the Centennial parade in 1956.
Looks like we need a proofreader! Thanks!
I’m thinking Mr. Woolsen died in 1956, not 1856…