First Who Fell.
Edward Saxe was commissioned Captain of Company A, 16th Wisconsin Infantry, September 3, 1861, He was from Waushara County and had been born in New York in 1819 and moved to Wisconsin with his wife Kate by the early 1850' and by the time the war started had 3 children and was a successful miller in a town named for his family, Saxeville, WI,
His story is as follows.
"The first who fell at Pittsburg Landing, Captain Edward Saxe and Sergent John A Williams of Company A, 16th Wisconsin, together with three others belonging to the Sixteenth, were ordered out on pickett duth the night before the battle about one and three-quarters of a mile from camp. Early Sunday morning they marched to the top of a hill where they were fired upon by rebels behind a long fence and in the woods. Saxe and Williams (who was acting as his orderly) fell in the first fire. Saxe was pierced by three bullets and died immediately. Williams was shot through the neck. He called for his men to loosen his belt and when that was done said "I am dying" and did so. After firing a few rounds the company retired to the camp with the dead and wounded. Saxe and Williams were put in a tent. After the battle they were found where they had been put but their pockets had been turned out and everything stolen as had their boots. Rude coffins were made of boxes and they were buritd side by side.
Saxe had been a Captain on the lakes earlier in life but when Indian lands opened he started Saxeville. He was known as an active businessman and influential Democratic politician. As the war broke out he settled his business and applied for a recruiting commission. Tirelessly recruiting, Company A formed and he was elected Captain. He was ill at Madison during training and he had not fully recovered. He left his wife and children to mourn.
Sergeant Williams, born July 27, 1838 in Llenybyther, in south Wales. They came originally to Oneida County, New Yorkand then in 1849 came to Waukesha. Moved in 1854 and had been in the vicinity ever since. He was a printer by trade and after the war ended intended ti return to his trade. He left Father, mother and 6 brothers to mourn as well as his wife.
Wm D. Williams from the 7th Wisconsin was his cousin and the news correspondent.