Re: Beards in Augusta/Rockbridge Va

William Beard, husband of Emma, was Second Corporal in the 27th. Va. Infantry, Stonewall Jackson Brigade, and was killed in Aug., 1862. I have reason to believe he was my Great Grandfather (Process of elimination on multiple Williams.) Due to family legends. He apparently had two children, John William b.Feb.28,1862 and Mary. This from early census records. I have no data on Mary.

He and 120 others, both Yankee and Confederate are buried in a communial grave at Manassa, Va.. The bodies lay on the battlefield for 6 months, stripped by scavangers. The skeletons, with no identification, were collected by Dr. McGuire's Union work force and buried.

Emma, later married Dudley, they gave birth to "Bullet Bill" Bailey, of Univ. of Va. football quarterback fame.

Hope the information helps, and is accurate on all points.

Russ Beard
rwbeard@bellatlantic.net