William leaves his wife behind

This is copy of William Metty's enlistment in the 13th Infantry on June 10, 1870. The enlistment took place "in the field" near Fort Shaw, Montana Territory. He is described as being 24 years of age, and a carpenter by occupation. Of greater interest is the second part of his enlistment contract shown below wherein he signs the Declaration of Recruit which reads as follows: I, William Metty desiring to ENLIST in the Army of the United States, for the term of FIVE YEARS, Do declare, That I am twenty four years and --- months of age, that I have neither wife nor child; that I have never been discharged from the United States service on account of disability, or by sentence of a court martial, or by order before the expiration of the term of enlistment; and I know of no impediment to my serving honestly and faithfully as a soldier for five years.



On the 28th day of October 1869, at Louisville, Kansas he married Mary C. Jackson. What became of his new wife? The records show that on 2 June 1870, she was residing in the household of Keziah Jackson, presumably her mother, located in Louisville township of Pottowatomie County Kansas. On 25 Jun 1876, she dies at Vicksburg, Mississippi and is buried there in the National Cemetery. In the death notice she is described as Mrs. Mary Metty, wife of William Metty of the United States Army. William was serving at Vicksburg at that time. So the question remains, why would William leave his young bride in Kansas, travel to Montana Territory, deny any marital relationship and enlist in the Army!!