William Henry Tatum was born April 15th 1838. His family had been in Virginia since 1619.
The picture below was drawn by his younger brother JC Tatum, my Great Grandfather.
It shows the Tatum "Homeplace" around the time of his birth.
I've yet to find out where he received his education, but having read his letters from the war and judging by his profession he got a good one. William was a store clerk before the war.
On April 21st 1861 William joined the Richmond Howitzers, having heard the call to arms.
Much like his ancestor Henry Tatum who fought for Virginia in 1776
William decided to fight for his home!
Serving with the Howitzers William was a part of many hard fought battles.
At the end of the war the Howitzers disbanded.
( From The Richmond Howitzers - by Lee Wallace Jr )
William was paroled 4/18/1865.
After the war William started a grocery store a few blocks away from the State House in Richmond.
The Red X shows the stores location
The Green X Shows the Capitol.
William's business card.
An add in the Richmond paper promoting his store -
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William was also a member of RE Lee Camp #1
He was the Treasurer and I feel he had a hand in the financing of --
The Howitzer Monument, unveiled December 13, 1892.
William died 2/23/1903 and was laid to rest in Hollywood Cemetery.
"Least we Forget"
