W. A. Parham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
W. A. Parham
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The only known photograph of Parham
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| Born | 1830 Sussex County, Virginia, United States |
| Died | July 2, 1866 (aged 35–36) Warrenton, North Carolina, United States |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States |
| Branch |  Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861 – 1865 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Commands held | 41st Virginia Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War
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William Allen Parham, often known as W. A. Parham, was a brave soldier who fought in the American Civil War. He was a colonel for the Confederate army. He led a group of soldiers called the 41st Virginia Infantry Regiment. For a short time, he even commanded a larger group known as Mahone's Brigade.
Contents
Life of a Civil War Soldier
Early Life and Joining the War
W. A. Parham was born around 1830 in Sussex County, Virginia. Before the war, he worked as a planter in Virginia. When the American Civil War began in 1861, his home state of Virginia decided to leave the United States. Parham chose to join the Confederate army.
He first joined a local group called the Sussex Riflemen. Soon after, he became a First Lieutenant in Company A of the 41st Virginia Infantry Regiment. This was a big step in his military career.
Rising Through the Ranks
Parham quickly showed his skills as a leader. On May 3, 1862, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of the 41st Virginia Regiment. He took part in his first major battle, the Battle of Williamsburg. After this battle, his regiment was stationed in Petersburg, Virginia.
They did not see much fighting for a while. However, they soon faced combat in the Battle of Seven Pines and the Battle of Glendale. During the Battle of Malvern Hill, Parham was injured. He was hurt in his right eye.
Leading Troops in Battle
Even after his injury, Parham continued to serve. On July 25, 1862, he was promoted again, this time to Colonel. He then fought in the Second Battle of Bull Run. This was a very important battle during the war.
Later, he served in the Battle of Crampton's Gap. He even took command of William Mahone's Brigade during the Battle of Antietam. Sadly, he was wounded again during the Battle of Antietam.
Final Battles and Later Years
Parham's health was affected by his injuries. His last major operation was at the Battle of Chancellorsville. He also fought in the Battle of Gettysburg, the Battle of Bristoe Station, and the Battle of Mine Run. These were some of his final battles.
It became clear that his health would not fully recover. Because of this, he was moved to Weldon, North Carolina. There, he worked as a provost marshal, which is like a military police chief. In late 1863, he tried to become a member of the Confederate States Congress, but he was not successful.
He continued to serve in different roles. In October 1864, he was a provost marshal in Richmond, Virginia. He also commanded a post in Emporia, Virginia. On March 31, 1865, he was moved to the 'Invalid Corps', which was for soldiers who could no longer fight actively. He surrendered in Raleigh on May 29, 1865, as the war ended.
After the war, W. A. Parham moved to his wife's home in Warrenton, North Carolina. He passed away on July 2, 1866. His death was caused by the wounds he received at the Battle of Malvern Hill.
