Monday, August 6, 2012

Knapsack of William E. Elsroad, Co. A, 15th Iowa Infantry



Elsroade, William E.  Age 18. Residence Fort Madison, nativity Iowa. Enlisted Jan. 15, 1862. Mustered March 5, 1862. Promoted Seventh Corporal. Wounded in hip severely April 6, 1862, Shiloh, Tenn. Discharged Jan. 31, 1863, Keokuk, Iowa.

Source: Iowa Adjutant General's Office, Roster and Record of Iowa Soldiers in the War of the Rebellion, Volume 2, p. 933


The interpretive sign below the knapsack reads:

REGULATION KNAPSACK

The knapsack was designed to carry a soldier’s basic needs, such as a blanket, a ground cloth, a shelter half, extra cloths, and personal accessories.  The Knapsack was made of “tarred canvas” with leather straps.

SOURCE:  Iowa and the Civil War: Nothing But Victory exhibit at the State Historical Museum of Iowa, Des Moines Iowa, July 18, 2012.

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