Private William Tecumseh Bridwell

     William Bridwell was born in 1845 in Virginia and served for the entire War. He enlisted in Fry's Brigade, Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. He was at the battle of Gettysburg and played a large part in the retreat from Gettysburg. He participated in some of the hardest fought battles of the War for Southern Independence. He also played a large role in the reconstruction after the War. He arrived in Canon City in 1878 and was a carpenter. He later went into the grocery, real estate and insurance businesses. He also contributed to the building of Shelf Road. He was Grand High Priest of the Royal Arch Masons of Colorado and known as one of the oldest and best known residents of Canon City. He died on 29 September 1927, at the age of 82.