Civil War ancestors

Frederick William Berge

My great great grandfather, Frederick Berge was born in Hesse-Kassel in 1838; at 17 years old, he immigrated to the United States, settling in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

When Fort Sumpter was shelled by Confederate forces, and fell in early April, 1861, the new president Abraham Lincoln asked the states to call up volunteers for 90 days. On the 27th of April, Frederick Berge, not yet a citizen, enlisted as a musician in Company C, 15th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. On August 7, 1861 on expiration of his term, he was honorably discharged.

Less, than a week later, he reenlisted in Company M. 4th Regiment Penna. Volunteer Cavalry to serve for 3 years as Bugler under Captain A. Dart and Cols. J. H. Childs and G. H. Covode. The regiment was on provost duty in Washington, D.C. until May of 1862, when they were assigned to the Cavalry Division, Army of the Potomac. They fought in Virginia for almost a year, then returned to Pennsylvania to participate in the Battle of Gettysburg, July 1-3. 1863. After being honorably discharged Jan. 4. 1864, he reenlisted as a veteran for 3 years more or the duration of the war in same Company and Regiment.

The regiment was at Appomattox to witness Lee's Surrender on April 9, 1865. After the surrender, they were sent on an expedition after "Extra Billy Smith" the oldest Confederate General and Governor of Virginia. Finally after four years of war, Frederick Berge was honorably discharged July 1, 1865 at Lynchburg Va.

Charles Sanders

My great grandfather, Charles D. Sanders, lived in Pleasant Valley (later named Avoca), Pennsylvania at the beginning of the Civil War. He enlisted on August 20, 1862, as a Private in Company M, Pennsylvania Volunteers, Heavy Artillery. During the war, he served as division wagon master. In the spring of 1864, his regiment participated in the Wilderness campaign, fighting at Spottsylvania and Cold Harbor.

The 2nd battalion shared in the charge at Petersburg, VA. on June 18, by which ground was gained that became the front line of the army. In Jan., 1865 the regiment joined in last charges upon the enemy's works, afterward entering the city.

Charles Sanders was discharged on 20 January, 1865.

A Fulmer Civil War ancestor?

I found this photo last month and like so many others, it was not identified. It was with other photographs that belonged to my father, so I suspect it is a member of the Fulmer family.

Another genealogy puzzle that hopefully will be solved someday.