My 2nd Grand Uncle Robert Eginton, emigrated to this country and was granted naturalization on March 5, 1859. Like many of the time he was swept up into the Civil War. He joined the 4th New York Infantry Volunteers, Company G, and attained the rank of Corporal.

When his unit left New York for Newport News VA. on June 3rd, 1862, I can imagine the mutual assurances and vows that he and his wife Annie gave each other. Promises that when he returned home they would raise a family and grow old together. But fate had a different plan for Robert and Annie and unfortunately they would never see each other again. He would never return to New York.

I'm sure Annie had no idea when she arose in New York on Sept. 17th 1862 that it would be her Robert's last day. That he, and thousands of other Robert's on both sides, would die shortly after his Regiment crested a hilltop in the Maryland countryside, near a small town named Sharpsburg.

I'm sure Robert thought of Annie that morning but what his thoughts were marching up that hill are lost to time and an enemy's bullet. During combat, infantry corporals helped to keep a uniform line in the movement of the company. Privates looked to corporals to help guide them during combat. Did he rally those around him? Or did he turn internally and just numbly march up that hill? Was he thinking of Annie, his brothers around him, himself, or his family?

What ever his thoughts were during that hillside climb the record shows that he volunteered to fight for his new country, he served honorably having attained the rank of Corporal, and he made the ultimate sacrifice shortly after cresting a hill near a small town in the Maryland countryside.

As for Annie? She applied for and received a Civil War Pension of $8 per month. Eight dollars a month in exchange for a lifetime of dreams, family, and love. Hardly seems sufficient does it.

I'll be visiting Antietam next week to visit the spot where Corp. Robert Eginton, (Misspelled Aginton on the 4th NY INF monument) gave his life for his newly adopted country.