Private William R Freeland

He was born in New York City on July 29 1841 , parents Nathan and Maria Franklin
Freeland , single, farmer. On February 15 1864 he, 23, enlisted in Tarrytown for a three
years term in Co C 5 N Y Heavy Artillery and received a $300 bonus. He was described
as having blue eyes, light hair, light complexion and 5' 5 3/4"
Initially stationed at Rikers Island, N Y, he spent July and August in the post hospital.
On September 13 1864 he died of typhoid in the regimental hospital in Harpers Ferry,
''while on arduous duty. " His few possessions, one greenback dollar, a Testament and a
pocket book were given to his brother, John, who was also serving in Co C.
His body was shipped home and his widowed mother buried him next to his father in St
Stephen's cemetery on November 2 1864. The W.P.A. location is a family stone, 8604.
We can sense his mother's emotions as she received her dead son and his Bible. 
Maria received a mother's pension on October 24 1864.
As if this has't been sad enough, the stone is smashed and face down between his
parents and David Brundage. Other 5 HA soldiers are buried nearby, Edward Riley,
Charles Raymond, James Stilson and Harvey Ferris. 
Billy never gets his flag, only this writer knows he's there. The US Government will
supply a gravestone free of charge and without a delivery charge. The cemetery has
only to dig a hole to place it. This writer, 92, would do it! This writer provided St
Stephen's vestry with the necessary application but they declined to apply for his stone.
It has the "distinction" of being the only face down monument in their immaculately kept
cemetery.
Freeland is well documented, Page 11 on North Castle Town Clerk's roster, NARA
M551/roll 49 National Archives, #1061 on Adjutant General's NY Data Base