William B. Goodrich

William Bingham Goodrich (1821-1862) was an American colonel and lawyer who served as commander of the 60th New York Infantry Regiment and of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, XII Corps during the American Civil War before being killed in the early hours of the Battle of Antietam.

Biography Early life William Bingham Goodrich was born on December 1, 1821, as the son of Hubbard Goodrich, M. D.; who was killed in a well accident when Goodrich was 14, which resulted in him becoming the sole support of his family. Shortly after his father's death, Goodrich entered the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary in 1835 before graduating in 1839 and then becoming a teacher. He then moved to Wisconsin and became a merchant there. During this time, Goodrich felt troubled and made a personal request to his friend, Acting Sergeant Major Wilson to make sure his body was sent home if he got killed.

Battle of Antietam

On the morning of September 17, 1862, Goodrich's brigade was sent to Hagerstown Pike to reinforce Abner Doubleday's division of the I Corps. The brigade marched over the Miller Farm where they saw some action. It is noted by a Union soldier that he was: "firm, cool, and determined, and encouraged his men to their best." Following Miller farm, his Brigade made their way to the West Woods, where Goodrich was shot in the chest and fell off his horse with a severed artery. With his exclaimed yell of "My God, I am hit!". his men came to his aide and he was carried back to a field hospital in a nearby barn, he soon regained consciousness after arrival and, as soon as he saw Sergeant Wilson, he showed great comfort in seeing him. he spent his final moments talking of his family and comforting his fellow soldiers assuring them that they always did their duty. His final words, similar to what he told his men, were: "I have always tried to do my duty!" . He showed a final smile, Wilson being at his side, and died shortly after. Wilson carried out Goodrich's final wish and Goodrich's body was sent to Canton where a funeral, attended by hundreds, was held. Goodrich was buried behind his house with full military honors. Over 40 years later his remains were reinterred in Brooklyn's Green-Wood Cemetery.

Legacy Goodrich's daughter, Stella would go on to marry Charles H. Russell and founded Camp Goodrich in New Jersey which would go on to serve as a convalescent home for soldiers and sailors.