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.
