Civil War Veterans Buried In Washington State - William Bidlack

44^th INDIANA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY
Organized: Fall, 1861 Ft. Wayne, IN
Mustered In: 10/24/1861 Ft. Wayne, IN
Mustered Out:  9/14/1865 Chattanooga, TN

REGIMENTAL HISTORY:

The 44^th Indiana was a three year infantry regiment. During the American Civil War (ACW) its field of service was within western theater of operations.

Organized and mustered in during 10/1861 at Ft. Wayne, IN, the regiment left the state in December and moved into Kentucky. It remained there until 2/1862 when it joined the forces of Union Gen. U.S. Grant at forts Henry (2/6) and Donelson (2/11 - 16) in Tennessee.

Moving to Shiloh/Pittsburg Landing, TN (4/6 – 7/1862) the unit was engaged both days losing thirty three (33) killed and one hundred seventy seven (177) wounded. It then took part in the pursuit of the fleeing Confederates.

 Next, the 44^th joined Union Gen. Buell’s army as it campaigned in Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky. In Kentucky it was engaged at the battle of Perryville (10/8/1862).

At Stone’s River, TN (12/31/1862 – 1/2/1863) the unit suffered losses of eight (8) killed, fifty two (52) wounded and twenty five (25) missing. It then went into winter quarters at Murfreesboro until the spring of 1863.

The regiment participated in the actions at Chickamauga, GA (9/18 – 20/1863   ) and fought at Missionary Ridge (11/23 – 25/1863) in Chattanooga, TN. Those two battles cost the 44^th three (3) killed, fifty nine (59) wounded and twenty (20) missing. Next came provost (military police) duties in Chattanooga.

1864 January saw the men of the unit re-enlisting and enjoying furloughs home. For the remainder of The War the 44^th was, again, assigned to provost duty in Chattanooga. Final muster was 9/14/1865.

REGIMENTAL LOSSES:
Officers Killed Or Mortally Wounded: 4; Officers Died Of Disease, Accidents, Etc.: 9; Enlisted Men Killed Or Mortally Wounded: 76; Enlisted Men Died Of Disease, Accidents, Etc.: 220.

SOLDIER:
Residence: Baurie, IN   Age: 20.6 yrs.
Enlisted/Enrolled:  11/22/1861   Rank:  Pvt.
Mustered In: 11/22/1861
Mustered Out: 9/14/1865
Highest Rank: 1^st Lieut.
Rank At Discharge: 1^st Lieut.

PERSONAL/FAMILY HISTORY:

 William O. Bidlack was born 5/10/1841. His place of birth is not noted in available documentation.

Father of William was David Bidlack (b. ca. 1804). His mother was Abigail (no nee, b. ca. 1824) Bidlack. David’s occupation is not documented.

1860. The U.S. Census for Orange, Noble County, IN listed William with his parents and one sister: Sarah (16).

In 1861 William enlisted in the U.S. Army. Serving with the 44^th Indiana Infantry he rose from the rank of private to (4/1/1865) that of 1^st Lieutenant.

William married on 1/2/1875 in Greenville, MI. His wife was Anguinorah “Nora” (no nee, b. ca. 1856) Bidlack.

On 11/2/1877, in Michigan, William and Nora obtained a 160.69 acre homestead.

During their time together, the Bidlacks produced at least three children. Only two of the three are named. The 1880 census for Cato Montcalm County, MI enumerated William, Nora and two children: Minnie L. (4) and George L. (2). William’s occupation was noted as “laborer.”

In 1887 William applied for a U.S. Government disability pension based on his days of Civil War soldiering. The request was granted.

By 1909 the Bidlacks were in Washington State. Nora died here in 1909. She was/is buried in Bayview Cemetery located in Bellingham, Whatcom County, WA.

9/161914.  William applied for residency in the Washington Veteran’s Home located in Retsil Kitsap County, WA. Whether or not he was accepted for admittance or ever resided there are unknowns.

William O. Bidlack died on 10/23/1926. He was/is buried in Bellingham’s Bayview Cemetery with Nora.

Newspaper Notice (In Part):

William O. Bidlack, age 85 years, passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. N.J. Rafter, 2115 Franklin Street, early Saturday morning, after a residence in Bellingham of twenty-one years. Besides his daughter, Mrs. Rafter, with whom he made his home, he is survived by one son, George, also of this city; one sister, Mrs. Sarah Landy of Michigan; four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

The body rests at the Harlow Mortuary home, Holly and Forest streets, where funeral services will be held Monday afternoon, October 25 at 2 o’clock, with the Rev. Charles MacGaughey of the Garden Street Methodist church officiating, after which the ritualistic service of the Grand Army of the Republic will be given by officers and members of the J. B. Steedman posts and interment made in the family plot in Bay View cemetery. Pallbearers will be the Sons of Veterans.

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NOTE:  The preceding courtesy of Whatcom Genealogical Society. See our Links page for information about obtaining a copy of the download Civil War Veterans of Whatcom County (including June 2014 update) from which much of the above information was gathered.

Posted: 1/23/2024
Updated: 

Buried at BayView Cemetery Whatcom Co.