William Pope

Image of William Pope's Volunteer Enlistment (Fold3.com)

Private William Pope served in Co. B 32nd Regt. U.S.C.T. He was born about 1842 as a slave in Page County, Virginia.[1] [2] He was mustered into the war at age 21 on Feb. 9, 1864. He enlisted in Chambersburg for 3 years and claimed that he worked as a laborer. Pope was always present except for a short period in February 1865; however, the documentation is unclear about his disappearance. During the same period, he owed the government $1.12, which might account for his absence.[3] After the war, Pope married Maria L. Johnson on Dec. 23, 1875. It was both their second marriage.[4] Pope was a member of the G.A.R. He also received a pension for his military service. However, after his death, Maria was denied access. [5] Pope died July 1, 1902 at West Simpson Street in Mechanicsburg, where he had lived for many years.[6] He had asthma, which was his cause of death. He was apparently in good health the day before he died.[7] His service was held in his home on July 3, 1902, at 4:00 PM. Rev. S. R. Garrison from the Simpson Street A.M.E. conducted the service.[8] Pope was buried in the Lincoln Cemetery in Upper Allen Township Section A, Lot 16, Grave 1.[9]

[1] “Compiled Military Service Records of Volunteer Union Soldiers for William Pope.” Fold3.com.

[2] Arthur Cunningham, But Not Forgotten: Lincoln Colored Cemetery (Carlisle: Cumberland County Historical Society, 2002), 37

[3] “Compiled Military Service Records of Volunteer Union Soldiers for William Pope.” Fold3.com.

[4] Arthur Cunningham, But Not Forgotten: Lincoln Colored Cemetery (Carlisle: Cumberland County Historical Society, 2002), 37

[5] Arthur Cunningham, But Not Forgotten: Lincoln Colored Cemetery (Carlisle: Cumberland County Historical Society, 2002), 31

[6] The Sentinel, “Deaths of Anna M. Sutton and Wiliam Pope,” Newspapers.com, July 1, 1902. www.newspapers.com/image/344414782.

[7] Harrisburg Daily Independent, “Special Correspondence,” Newspapers.com, July 1, 1902. www.newspapers.com/image/83034756.

[8] Harrisburg Daily Independent, “Special Correspondence,” Newspapers.com, July 3, 1902. www.newspapers.com/image/83034802.

[9] “Pennsylvania Veterans Burial Cards, 1777-2012 for William Pope,” AncestryLibrary.com.

Bibliography

“Compiled Military Service Records of Volunteer Union Soldiers Who Served with the United States Colored Troops: Infantry Organization, 31st through 35th for Pope, William.”

Fold3.com. National Archives and Records Administration.

Cunningham, Arthur. But Not Forgotten: Lincoln Colored Cemetery. Carlisle: Cumberland County Historical Society, 2002.

Harrisburg Daily Independent. “Special Correspondence.” Newspapers.com. July 1, 1902. www.newspapers.com/image/83034756.

Harrisburg Daily Independent. “Special Correspondence.” Newspapers.com. July 3, 1902. www.newspapers.com/image/83034802.

“Pennsylvania Veterans Burial Cards, 1777-2012 for William Pope.” AncestryLibrary.com. Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Bureau of Archives and History.

The Sentinel. “Deaths of Anna M. Sutton and William Pope.” Newspapers.com. July 1, 1902. www.newspapers.com/image/344414782.