William Atkins, Enlisted in the 124th., Ohio, Infantry, Company B., as a Corporal, on August 14, 1862, for 3 years age 19. Killed in battle of Chickamauga Ga., on September 19, 1863. The following comes from the regimental History of the 124th., Ohio Infantry..
I saw the first man of your regiment killed, Corporal Atkins. He was a tall, finely formed man, a farmer and school teacher by occupation; an abolitionist, he hated slavery, and consequently the slaveholders rebellion; and many a time around mirthful campfire had he been the object of his fiery sentiments of his hatred of that giant wrong; and some times it was hinted in his hearing " The best fighters are not as a rule the best talkers." I can see him now as he stands at my right behind the sheltering trunk of a large pine loading and firing , in the storm of bullets as calmly as though not at death's carnival.
I saw blood flowing from his left shoulder, I say, "William, you are badly wounded; go to the rear." Putting his hand up to his wounded shoulder, and extending his left arm says, "See Captain I am not much hurt, I want to give them another." He draws another cartridge from his box, springs his hammer, runs the cartridge half way down a bullet from the enemy pierces that brave heart, and I see him fall on his face dead.
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