Civil War Pension File – William Burchfield Company E 98th Regiment Infantry Pennsylvania

William Burchfield was born on January 15, 1828, in Pennsylvania, during an era when the nation was expanding westward and tensions over slavery were rising. Details of his early life remain sparse, but like many in rural Pennsylvania communities, he likely grew up on or near farms, learning the value of hard work and family ties.

As the Civil War neared its end, William was drafted into service on March 6, 1865, joining Company E of the 98th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. The 98th had endured brutal campaigns earlier in the war—Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg—but by early 1865, the regiment was engaged in mopping-up operations and guard duties following Lee's surrender at Appomattox on April 9. William's time in uniform was brief and without recorded combat; he received an honorable discharge on June 16, 1865, just weeks after the Confederate collapse. Many late-war draftees like him contributed to the Union's final victory through steadfast presence in the ranks.

Returning home, William married Carrie L. Robinson on August 23, 1868. The couple welcomed at least one daughter, Norma C. Burchfield, and built a quiet family life amid the challenges of Reconstruction.

In his later years, tragedy struck: William was diagnosed with terminal cancer. On July 22, 1890, he applied for a military pension to provide for his family. His condition was so severe that he could not appear for testimony; his doctor submitted an affidavit dated April 24, 1891, stating that travel would create a "Danger to his life, by reason of exhaustion and danger of imminent hemorrhage." This poignant evidence helped secure approval—William was awarded $12 per month, retroactive to his application date.

William Burchfield passed away from cancer on September 7, 1892. His pension file, preserved in the National Archives (public domain PDF available), stands as a quiet testament to the sacrifices of everyday veterans and the support systems that aided their survivors.

Civil War Veteran Pension File available thanks to Kerri Fawcett.

These Civil War pension records were obtained from the U.S. National Archives and are public domain government documents. They are shared here freely for historical and genealogical research.

A Note on Historical Events:
The stories and events shared here are part of our family’s history and the wider world’s past. They are told to remember and understand—not to celebrate or encourage conflict in today’s world.