GILBERT OWENS -- 77th INFANTRYNEVER RETURNED TO WILMINGTON - When he was nineteen years old, GilbertOwens, enlisted in the 77th Infantry in Black Brook in mid-October1861. He was the son of Leonard Owens and his wife, Julia Palmer, whohad died the year before.The regiment organized in Saratoga Springs, and they left for Washingtonat the end of November. They were part of the defenses of the city untilMarch 1862 when they became part of the Peninsula Campaign. Gilbert wasassigned to be a wagoner for the company.After the Seven Days' Battles in June, they withdrew to Harrison'sLanding and started to prepare for the Maryland Campaign in August.By September 14th the 77th was at Crampton's Pass and on the 17ththey fought at Antietam. The regiment remained on duty in Maryland andlater moved to Falmouth near Fredericksburg where they were on theoutskirts of the city during the battle in December.After the battle, the regiment withdrew to Falmouth were they set upcamp near the White Oak Church. During the cold and stormy weather inJanuary and February 1864, Gilbert became ill and died there on February23rd. He was buried near the Church, but no record can be found of hisgravesite.
