Memorial Day

John H. Snedecor 

Born in Islip, New York in 1841, John Snedecor enlisted in Company H, New York, 131st Infantry Regiment on September 6, 1862.  He was promoted to corporal on January 22, 1864 and later that same year to sergeant. He was just 23 years old when he died in action on September 19, 1864 at Opequan, Virginia. His military record states that he was 5'7" with blue eyes, dark hair, and a light complexion. Before enlisting, he had been a farmer. He is buried in my hometown of Oakdale, New York in St. Johns Episcopal Church Cemetery (along side Montuak Highway). Every Memorial Day I think of him.