Faces of Gettysburg: David Wills: The Unsung Hero of Gettysburg’s Aftermath
David Wills, a name that may not echo as loudly as Lincoln or Meade in the annals of Civil War history, played an indispensable role in the aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg, one of the pivotal engagements of the American Civil War. As a prominent attorney and civic leader in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Wills’ actions following the battle had a lasting impact, culminating in the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, which in turn set the stage for Abraham Lincoln’s immortal Gettysburg Address.
Born on February 3, 1831, in Menallen Township, Adams County, Pennsylvania, David Wills graduated from Jefferson College (now Washington & Jefferson College) in 1851 and subsequently studied law. By 1854, he had established a law practice in Gettysburg. He soon ventured into politics and public service, serving as the county superintendent of schools before being elected to various local offices.
Wills’ life and the history of Gettysburg were irrevocably altered in July 1863, when the Union and Confederate armies clashed in and around the town in what would become known as the Battle of Gettysburg. The conflict was devastating, resulting in approximately 51,000 soldiers killed, wounded, captured, or missing. The small town was overwhelmed with casualties and the task of post-battle recovery seemed daunting.
Recognizing the need for a proper burial site for the thousands of Union soldiers who lay in hastily dug graves throughout the battlefield, Wills took a leading role in the establishment of a national cemetery. As an agent of the state governor, Andrew Curtin, Wills purchased 17 acres of land and planned the layout of the cemetery, dedicating it to the Union soldiers who had fallen during the battle. His meticulous attention to detail ensured that the cemetery was a fitting tribute to the fallen, with equal plots assigned to soldiers from different states reflecting the union they had fought to preserve.
David Wills’ most lasting contribution came when he invited President Abraham Lincoln to the dedication of the cemetery. The invitation led to one of the most iconic speeches in American history, the Gettysburg Address. Lincoln’s brief but profound speech, delivered on November 19, 1863, not only consecrated the cemetery but also redefined the purpose of the Civil War and articulated a vision of a united and democratic nation.
Wills’ home in Gettysburg, where Lincoln stayed the evening before delivering the Gettysburg Address, remains a historic site. It was here that Lincoln put the finishing touches on his address, which re-emphasized the principles of human equality espoused in the Declaration of Independence and reinvigorated the Union’s commitment to winning the war.
After the war, Wills continued his legal practice and his dedication to public service. He served as a judge of the Adams County courts and was involved in various educational and philanthropic causes until his death in 1894.
David Wills may not be as widely recognized as other figures from the Civil War, but his efforts in the immediate aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg helped shape the nation’s collective memory of the conflict and its meaning. Through his foresight and dedication, he not only provided a dignified resting place for thousands of soldiers but also helped create a pivotal moment in American history. The legacy of David Wills is a testament to the impact that thoughtful and committed civic leadership can have in times of national crisis.
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