Perez Henry Tillson
Perez Henry Tillson was born in Thomaston, Maine April 19, 1839. He was the son of Perez Tillson and Martha S. Tillson. He received his education at the Maine Wesleyan Seminary at Kents Hill. While Henry was a student, President Lincoln issued a call for 15,000 volunteers to serve the cause of the Union. Henry was an avid student, devoted to his studies, but he loved his country more and signed up to serve on the 12TH of June in Company C of the 4th Maine regiment of volunteers. He was accepted into the regiment on the 15th and left for Washington two days later. On July 21st Henry was among the soldiers at the first battle of Bull Run. Henry was among the soldiers killed when the Confederates drove the Unions from Bull Run, during the battle a cannon ball shot off both his legs. Before passing Henry passed his diary to one of his comrades and heroically cheered them on.
Beckett, Brad. A History of Thomaston, Maine for Young Readers. Rockland: Lakeside Printing, 1994. Secondary Source
This book describes how many soldiers from Thomaston enlisted in the war. It also tells about how Perez Henry Tillson was one of the first soldiers to die in the war.
Washburn, Geaorge S. Personal War Sketches. Philadelphia: Louis H. Everts, 1890. Secondary Source
These sketches described the injuries and deaths of citizens of Thomaston Maine during the Civil War.
Tillson Testimonial
Thomaston Historical Society