Benjamin Hirst: A Vernon Hero Who Fought At Gettysburg

VERNON, CT — It was 158 years ago this weekend that Vernon resident Benjamin Hirst was wounded in one of the most famed moments in U.S. history.

And his grave sits prominently at Grove Hill Cemetery in the Rockville section of town.

According to Jean Luddy of the Vernon Historical Society, Hirst served in Company D of the 14th Connecticut Infantry Regiment. The regiment had many members from Vernon and Rockville and experienced heavy action.

Hirst enlisted on July 16, 1862 and was mustered in as a sergeant. He saw action at the Battle at Antietam in September 1862.

At the battle of Gettysburg on July 1, 2 and 3, 1863, he was wounded in the shoulder as the regiment faced Pickett's Charge.

Hirst was later discharged due to his wounds.

He returned home to Rockville and lived until 1909, dying at the age of 81. His letters to his wife Sarah at home in Rockville were collected and published in the book, "The Boys From Rockville." Hirst is featured on the book's cover.

Luddy said Hirst's letters provide an "in-depth account of military life during the Civil War."

Sarah Hirst is also buried at the grove Hill plot. She was also born in 1828, but died in 1918.