Cyrus Wical
Cyrus was an Ohio-born Iowa father and farmer. In 1862 he enlisted with the 22nd Iowa Infantry, rose through its ranks, and died during the Civil War. His first burial was on Virginia soil near Winchester; today his grave is in Winchester National Cemetery.
Born about 1830 in Ohio. Married Edna Higgins on March 1, 1853, in Iowa City. The 1860 Pleasant Valley Township, Johnson County, census lists Cyrus, Edna, and children Clara, Edward, Franklin J., and Daniel. The census describes Cyrus as a farmer.
DocumentedEnlisted August 5, 1862, from Iowa City, as a private in Company G, 22nd Iowa Infantry; mustered August 26. The supplied roster information traces promotions through fifth corporal, fifth sergeant, fourth sergeant, and third sergeant, the last in July 1864. The roster and original service file merit a full transcription.
Strongly supportedThe military roster and battle account associate Cyrus’s death with September 19, 1864 and the Third Battle of Winchester (Opequon). September 19 is the currently best-supported date, subject to further comparison with original military records.
Strongly supportedThe later War Department national cemetery interment card instead gives April 19, 1864. It also identifies Company G, 22nd Iowa Infantry, original burial at Hackwood Farm, Virginia, and grave 3565 at Winchester National Cemetery. The source disagreement remains unresolved; the reason for it is unknown.
Conflicting evidenceThe supplied headstone photograph reads “3565 / CYRUS WICAL / S / IOWA,” matching the grave number on the interment card. His original burial was recorded at Hackwood Farm before reinterment at Winchester National Cemetery.
DocumentedPortrait & records
Sandy identifies Cyrus in this family photograph. The handwritten inscription below the portrait connects him to Clara Boles. The full photograph is preserved here with the annotation visible.
