Here is what I have on him. Do you have any letters or other information about his pre- wartime or postwar life? Any pictures of him that you would be willing to share?

GRIGGS, WILLIAM JAMES: Sgt., Co. A,m 42nd Va. Inf. Born Henry County 2/2/42 as James William Griggs and later changed name to William James Griggs, “perhaps because of confusion with other J.W. Griggs [i.e., brothers Joseph Wesley and Jeremiah Waddy] in the immediate family.” 1860 cen., age 16, laborer, Ridgeway P.O., Henry Co. Prewar farmer. Enl., 4th Cpl., 6/8/61, Ridgeway, Henry County. Present in unit 6/21/6 and 7/8/61 when he wrote, "I shall have to brag some...as to being the best drilled soldier in our company[.] That is given up by all.[.]" Hospitalized, sick, Lewisburg (W.Va.) by 10/31/61 when absent from unit. Furloughed at Winchester 2/15/62 on 40-day reenlistment leave. Absent from unit through 3/31/62. Promoted to 2nd Sgt. 4/21/62. Present in unit 4/30/62, 5/25/62 and 8/4-7/62. Wd., "in knee, bone broken," Cedar Run 8/9/62. Never returned to duty in unit. During absence was furloughed home on sick leave by 10/31/62; hospitalized Richmond to 12/1/62 when furloughed on 90-day sick leave. Remained on sick leave through 2/24/63. “Gangrene set in” and leg amputated at middle third of thigh at home, Henry County, 6/20/63. Hospitalized, amputated leg, Richmond 12/13 to 15/63 when he deserted the hospital. Paid at Danville 12/19/63. Hospitalized Richmond 1/17/64 when furloughed on 90-day sick leave. Hospitalized, wound, Charlottesville 1/18 to 26/64 when resumed his furlough. Signed unit clothing roll 1/30/64. Retired to Invalid Corps 9/9/64. At Danville 9/10/64 when he applied to the Association for the Relief of Maimed Soldiers, Richmond, for an artificial leg. 5' 8", red complexion, blue eyes, black hair in 1864. Postwar farmer, Pittsylvania County 1870. Applied for pension in Henry County 9/14/87. Reapplied, age 46, in Patrick County 4/24/88. Farmer, age 58, Patrick County 1900. Died, chronic diarrhea complicated by acute gastritis, near Nettle Ridge, Patrick County, 7/22/1906. Buried in cemetery on Route 832, near Trent Golf Course, Patrick County.