David Wills (Gettysburg)

David Wills (Gettysburg) was a prominent Gettysburg attorney and civic leader best known for his pivotal role in the creation of the Gettysburg National Cemetery and for extending the invitation to President Abraham Lincoln that resulted in the delivery of the immortal Gettysburg Address. As the appointed agent for Pennsylvania Governor Andrew Gregg Curtin, Wills coordinated the daunting task of respectfully re-interring thousands of Union soldiers after the Battle of Gettysburg. His home, now the David Wills House, served as President Lincoln's residence the night before the cemetery's dedication and is a preserved National Park Service museum.

Early life and career

Born in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, David Wills graduated from Pennsylvania College and subsequently studied law. He established a successful legal practice in his hometown, becoming a well-respected figure within the local community and the Republican Party in Adams County, Pennsylvania. Prior to the American Civil War, Wills served as a burgess of Gettysburg and was involved in various civic and business affairs. When the Army of Northern Virginia under Robert E. Lee invaded Pennsylvania in the summer of 1863, Wills was, like all residents of the region, thrust into the cataclysm of the ensuing battle that raged from July 1–3, 1863.

Role in the Gettysburg Address

In the devastating aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg, with over 7,000 dead soldiers requiring burial, Governor Andrew Gregg Curtin appointed David Wills as the state's agent to oversee the creation of a proper soldiers' cemetery. Wills purchased 17 acres on Cemetery Hill and commissioned landscape architect William Saunders to design the Gettysburg National Cemetery. To consecrate the grounds, Wills organized a dedication ceremony for November 19, 1863, and wrote to the renowned orator Edward Everett to deliver the main address. In a pivotal decision, Wills also sent a formal invitation to President Abraham Lincoln, requesting "a few appropriate remarks." Lincoln accepted, drafting his brief speech in Washington, D.C. before traveling to Pennsylvania. On November 18, Lincoln stayed at Wills' home on the Gettysburg town square, where he likely put the finishing touches on the address delivered the following day at the Soldiers' National Monument.

Post-war life and legacy

Following the American Civil War, David Wills continued his legal career and remained active in public service. He served as a judge for the Adams County courts and was involved in the ongoing commemoration and preservation efforts at the Gettysburg Battlefield. Wills also played a role in early veterans' affairs, assisting with the activities of the Grand Army of the Republic. He lived in Gettysburg until his death in 1894. His enduring legacy is inextricably linked to his administrative foresight and organizational skill, which provided the solemn platform from which Abraham Lincoln reshaped the war's purpose with the Gettysburg Address, a cornerstone of American political oratory.

Wills House

The David Wills House, located on the Gettysburg town square, is a historic building preserved as a museum by the National Park Service. It was here that Abraham Lincoln stayed as a guest of David Wills on the night of November 18, 1863, and finalized his now-iconic speech. The house has been restored to its 1863 appearance, with key exhibits focusing on Lincoln's visit, the creation of the Gettysburg National Cemetery, and the aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg. The bedroom where Lincoln slept and worked is a central feature of the museum, which forms part of the Gettysburg National Military Park and serves as an educational center about the address's context.

In popular culture

David Wills' role in the events leading to the Gettysburg Address has been depicted in several historical films and documentaries. He is a character in the 1992 television film Gettysburg and is referenced in numerous documentaries about Abraham Lincoln and the American Civil War produced by entities like the History Channel and PBS. His historical significance is also frequently highlighted in literature about the battle and Lincoln's presidency, ensuring his part in this seminal American event is remembered alongside the more famous figures of the era.

Category:1831 births Category:1894 deaths Category:People from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Category:American Civil War civilians Category:Gettysburg Address