My Civil War ancestry is a cool thing to study, at least for me. None of them made it above corporal, and none of them are noted in the history books, but they fought for their country just the same as the famous generals, and more noted soldiers of the time. Every soldier, no matter how low of rank, no matter how much time of enlistment or no matter how many battles they fought in, made a difference, and left their mark, big or small, on the world during the Civil War.
My Civil War ancestors came from Schuylkill county Pennsylvania. Most of them were grandsons of Peter Trautman, a soldier in the revolutionary war.
William Trautman was my 3x great grandfather. He served in Company K, in the 172nd Pennsylvania infantry. The 172nd didn't stay in service long, mainly meandering around Virginia and Washington, and a short pursuit of Lee near Warrenton. Williams brother, Henry, was a musician. I am not sure what kind of musician because of poor records, and I am a cheapskate who won't pay for good records, so I am in the dark for a while on that one.
Martin Trautman joined the 26th Emergency PA when it was formed, but deserted just before Gettysburg. Way to go, Uncle Mart. He joined the 148th PA, and fought in a few heated battles in the Overland campaign before being captured at Boydton Plank Road October 27th 1864. He was taken to a POW camp in Salisbury North Carolina, and died there that winter of Dysentery.
Elias Trautman joined the 26th Emergency PA, and was at Gettysburg. Elias made a short stand with a couple of other guys, firing one or two shots at the rebels before they were forced to retreat. His name is on the Pennsylvania memorial in Gettysburg.
Elias then joined the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry in early 1864. He was severely wounded at the battle of the wilderness when he jumped into a depression where a rebel happened to be hiding. He was shot point blank in the chest y a .58 Cal. minie ball, cracking his sternum, breaking ribs and wreaking havoc on his chest. He was left for dead, but somehow managed to survive. He died shortly after the war due to the wound complications.
Emanuel Trautman enlisted in the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry in early 1864 with his brother Elias. He was bayoneted or shot in the face at the battle of the Wilderness. He survived the war.
Daniel Trautman is the story piece. He joined the 6th Pennsylvania infantry in 1861. When the regiment mustered out, he joined the 50th Pennsylvania just in time for the Peninsula Campaign. He fought in several major battles such as Antietam, Vicksburg, The Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, and Appomattox. He made it to corporal until 1864 when he reenlisted as a private. Daniel survived the war, but was murdered in 1880 in his garden by thieves which sparked a massive manhunt, and two hangings.
Daniel, Elias, and Emanuel are my 3x great uncles.
The 50th PA at Gettysburg, 1865.