Augustus Kesselmeyer - Civil War Veteran

AUGUSTUS KESSELMEYER

Not much was found on the early years of Augustus (August, Gus) Kesselmeyer, son of Joseph Kesselmeyer, until his enlistment in the Union Army on June 5, 1861.  He was about 21 years old when he joined Company K, 8th Regiment, Ohio Infantry as a private.  He was discharged on December 10, 1862 for disability at Alexandria, Virginia, after having been in West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland in numerous battles. In September, he saw action at Antietam and spent guard duty at Harper's Ferry.

The 1890 veterans census indicated that Augustus had a total disability which included rheumatism and a hernia.

Pension card

His death date on his tombstone was August 27, 1894, while his pension card made it a month later.  He was not married, and he was not found in either the 1870 or 1880 census.

"A SUDDEN DEATH.

Augustus Kesselmeyer Passes Away

Augustus Kesselmeyer died suddenly Thursday at the home of his brother on East Hopkins street.  His death is due to heart trouble.  He was apparently in good health last evening.  In the morning, he arose and soon after returned to his bed.  His relatives took steps for his immediate relief, applying such remedies as they had at hand.  His condition was not regarded serious, and he was left alone for a short time.  On returning to him, William Kesselmeyer, his nephew, found him dead.

Dr. Stevens had been summoned, but arrived too late.  

The deceased was 54 years old.  He was unmarried.  He had made his home with his brother for many years.  Mr. Kesselmeyer had many friends, as he was of a genial disposition.  He was quite a musician, being a proficient violin player.

The funeral occurred last Sunday at the residence of Charles Kesselmeyer on Hopkins street at 2 o'clock, Rev. B. W. Slagle officiating.  The remains were interred in Riverside cemetery."

"FUNERAL OF GUS. KESSELMYER.

The funeral of Gus. Kesselmyer occurred Sunday from the residence of his brother, Charles Kesselmyer on East Hopkins street, where the deceased had made his home for the past eighteen years.  The funeral was a large one, many friends and relatives being present.

Thought Mr. Kesselmyer was not at the time of his death a member of the Bishop G.A.R., the members of that order attended the funeral in a body because he was a comrade.  The members of the U.V.U. and of the Ft. Defiance band also attended.

The floral offerings were most lovely.  The funeral discourse was preached by the Rev. B. W. Slagle.  He preached a most eloquent and touching sermon.  After the sermon, the funeral train moved to the Riverside cemetery, accompanied by the solemn notes of the funeral march, where the body was interred.

He left many sorrowing friends and relatives to mourn his death.  Those present from abroad were: Mrs. Ackerman, his sister, and Henry Shoemaker, of Columbus; John Kesselmyer and wife from Deshler, and Mrs. Hendershot of Chicago."     

Defiance Democrat- October 4, 1894

From Records of Headstones of Deceased Union Veterans, 1879 -1903

www.findagrave.com

(This is part of a series on Civil War veterans of Defiance County who were part of the G.A.R., Bishop Post, that headquartered in the city.  Formed in 1879, the post was named after a local man, Captain William Bishop, Company D, 100th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Army who died as a result of wounds received in battle.  The veterans' photos are part of a composite photo of members that has survived.  If you have other information or corrections to add to the soldiers' stories, please add to the comments!)