Gilbert Van Zandt

Port William was the birthplace of Gilbert Van Zandt, quite possibly the youngest enlistee in the Union Army during the Civil War. Born on December 20, 1851, "Little Gib" joined Company D, 79th Ohio Volunteer Infantry at the age of ten years, seven months, and sixteen days. Barely four feet tall, he first served as the company's drummer boy and later as a courier for the regiment. Distinguished for bravery under fire, he saw action in the battles for Atlanta, Sherman's March to the Sea, and the Carolina Campaign. He was discharged on June 9, 1865, already a seasoned veteran at thirteen, and died in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 4, 1944, at the age of ninety-two.

Port William, Ohio · United States