from an article in the March 24, 1955 Warren Sentinel - U.D.C. Museum Fund Report
One of the most appealing memorials donated to the Front Royal Confederate Museum will honor young "home-front" soldier, forced by youth and filial devotion to remain at home when he so longed to join his four older brothers in the Confederate army.
William Washington Rudacille, born at Browntown, VA., Dec. 15, 1847, was only fourteen years old when the war began. Two of his brothers, Philip and John W., joined C. A, 23rd VA. Cavalry. But young William was told his duty was to run the farm and protect his mother and the smaller children. With the prodigal patriotism of youth he begged throughout the War for parental permission to join the army. When his adored brother, Philip, came home on furlough "spitting tobacco" then especally did he long to march off to the war and learn to "spit tobacco like brother Philip."
But unlike the military hero, Cincinnati, he could not leave his plough. He must feed and protect the family on their farm near Limeton at the foot of the Long Mountain. when the alarm of "Yankees are coming" spread through the neighborhood, he would unhitch his horses form the plough and dash off to the hills with them. These horses meant food for the family and he must not let them be captured. Meanwhile, his mother waited at the house in fearful terror lest the Yankees search the place and discover the meat hidden under the floor where the carpet covered the trapdoor.
In the impoverished post - war days, William Washington married Miss Lucy Keren Jennings. After paying the preacher he had $3. left to his credit. Yet so frugally did the young couple manage that they were able to buy Spangler Hall, handsome brick mansion near Limeton. There he reared his eleven children, and upon his death, Feb. 4, 1912, left a substantial estate. He performed a yeoman's service in the economic recovery of his native country.
It is fitting that this "home-front" soldier be recognized in the Confederate Museum. His daughter, Mrs. Cleveland Jones (Petronella Rudacille) has donated a memorial for him.