David Dudley was born in Candia, New Hampshire in 1838. He came to Minnesota sometime between 1859 and 1861. He volunteered along with others from the Winona area. He was 23 years old. On April 29, 1861, was mustered into service. In Nov 1861, he was promoted to the rank of corporal in Company K. He was soon promoted to sergeant and on November 1, 1861, was promoted again, this time to 1st sergeant of the company. David fought in the battles of Bull Run, Balls Bluff and Antietam. Unfortunately, he was severely wounded at Antietam on September 17, 1862. During one part of the battle, Sedwick's entire division was thrown into a state of nearly hopless confusion. General Dana, the form colonel of the First, tried to maneuver his men into a position to attack. It was during this action he was wounded in the leg. The Minnesotans were on the extreme right of the Union line. Col Sully masterfully manuevered the men back and they maintained an orderly withdrawal. As McLaws Confederates poured a heavy fire into the Minnesotan's ranks, Col Sully reported, "Our loss was very heavy, yet the men bravely held their position, and did not leave it until the two brigades in their rear had fallen back and the regiments were moving, when they received the order to retire." It was during this time that Sgt Dudley was struck and fell, but he was able to stay with the regiment. After the battle he was sent to a hospital, but died from his wound on October 6th at Frederick, Maryland. After the war a Grand Army of the Republic post was established in Candia. It was named the David B Dudley Post #79 in his honor. While still living in New Hampshire, David had developed a close relationship with a young woman by the name of Angie Towle. They wrote to each other regularly. In at least one of these letters he must have mentioned his friend, Mathew Marvin. On March 16, 1863, she wrote to Mathew inquiring about David and saying that she hadn't heard from him. Marvin related the sad news of David's death the previous October. She wrote back thanking him for letting her know of David's fate. Mathew and Angie continued to correspond and they eventually married in 1867. Sources: The Winona Republican, Feb 14, 1864. Winona County Historical Society. The Last Full Measure, Richard Moe, 1993, Henry Holt & Co, pp 183 - 184. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
