12th Missouri Infantry

By: Jon Stacy; Camp Historian, Col. F.K. Hecker Camp #443 (SUVCW)

The 12th Missouri Infantry was organized by Major Peter J. Osterhaus, immediately after the 2nd Missouri Infantry was mustered out, on the orders of General John C. Fremont. Osterhaus sent Otto Schadt to St. Louis; to begin recruiting. Many of the soldiers of the 2nd Missouri (those that stayed with Osterhaus at the Battle of Wilson’s Creek) signed up into the new three year regiment, however, two companies from Belleville volunteered their services to Major Osterhaus, after his actions at the Battle of Wilson’s Creek and he took charge of two companies of men, who at the time were unassigned. One company was raised almost entirely in Belleville; under the charge of Jacob Kaercher, which left Belleville for St. Louis on 6 August 1861. The other company was raised with men from Belleville, O’Fallon, Lebanon & from Summerfield; by Hugo A. Wangelin. Many of these men had previously served in the 9th Illinois Infantry (Three Months) and refused to reenlist in the regiment if Colonel Eleazar A. Paine continued to command it. It was stated that 92% of the regiment was born in Europe.

Joseph Osterhaus, placed many of the Belleville men in higher position, since he already knew and trusted them. The 12th Missouri was organized on 10 September 1861 with Karecher’s Company being organized as Company A & Wangelin’s Company being organized as Company B. Hugo Wangelin was made a Major at organization. Their training period was brief, as they joined Fremont’s Advance into Central Missouri, where Osterhaus‘ tenure as Commander was effectively ended, as he was made their Division Commander, Major Wangelin took informal Command of the Regiment, in the absence of Lt. Colonel Schadt, who was still in St. Louis, training the remaining companies of the regiment. They took possession of the Missouri Capitol city without firing a shot, prior to marching on Sedalia & Springfield, Missouri. From there they marched to the former battleground of Wilson’s Creek for duty between 6-8 October 1861. They then returned to Rolla until January 1862; with the exception of being apart of the expedition to Danville, Missouri on 26 December 1861.

In January 1862; General Samuel R. Curtis launched his Missouri Campaign; where they advanced on Springfield between 16-18 February 1862; before pursing Confederate General into Arkansas, from 18-28 February 1862.

Operating in Northwest Arkansas; with the Confederates nearby, Osterhaus was commanding the 1st Division under General Franz Sigel; they went into action near Bentonville on 6 March. On the 7th of March; Osterhaus was ordered north to recon along the Leetown-Ford Road near Elkhorn Tavern, by General Curtis himself. Osterhaus found the main body of Confederates under McCulloch and ordered his cavalry to attack, and his infantry deployed to buy time, as word was sent to Curtis. The Cavalry and Infantry was literally stampeded, but the confusion that was created destroyed the rebel morale, as McCulloch was killed. Reinforcements were immediately sent under the command of Colonel Jefferson C. Davis (of the 36th Indiana), and once on the scene Osterhaus’ forces rallied, as they were able to box in the Confederate right flank, effectively saving the day for the Union. On the second day of the ; the 12th Missouri was involved in the infantry assault against Henry Little’s 1st Missouri Brigade (CSA), which only offered light resistance after an effective artillery barrage.

After the battle, Osterhaus was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General; and command was passed to Major Hugo Wangelin, as Lt. Colonel Otto Schadt left the 12th Missouri to raise the 30th Missouri Infantry. Belleville resident Trolius Tyndale was badly wounded in the engagement, with severe wounds in the leg; and refusing to let anyone amputate it. The residents of Belleville went and brought him and other Belleville boys home to recuperate from their wounds. Tyndale suffered for nearly a year until he could use his leg again. Private Charles Becker lost an arm after being wounded in battle & Major Herman Tuerek was shot in the head, permanently blinding him in both of his eyes.

Hugo A. Wangelin; was born in 1818, in Saxony, Prussia. He attended a government sponsored school & graduated as a cadet. In 1834; he came to the , locating in Cleveland, Ohio; where he met and married his wife. By 1841; he had returned to Prussia to fulfill his military service and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Wangelin had returned to the United States prior to the outbreak of the “Hecker Uprising”; and was not involved in the affair. Upon his return to Cleveland, he moved his family by wagon to a farm four miles east of Belleville; where he had gained employment as the farm manager. Sometime between 1849-50; he used his earnings to buy a mill and distillery in Lebanon. During this time, Wangelin became a prominent figure in the German Community in St. Clair County; making positive connections with Gustave Koerner, Frederich Hecker & Joseph Osterhaus.

With Wangelin in command the 12th Missouri marched to Batesville, Arkansas (5 April- 3 May 1862), then marched to Helena, Arkansas (25 May- 14 July). The Twelfth Missouri was in the area, but was not directly involved in the Battle of Whitney’s Lane on 19th of May. On 14 June 1862; Hugo Wangelin was promoted to the rank of Colonel. They then took part in the White River Expedition (5-8 August 1862); before being ordered north to Fort Davidson, in Pilot Knob, Missouri; on 1 September 1862. Their stay at Fort Davidson was brief, as they were needed with the main army and they departed for St. Genevieve on 12 November and back to Helena, Arkansas; on 23 November.

Once in Arkansas; the 12th Missouri was assigned to Major General W.T. Sherman’s XVIII Corps; 4th Division under Brigadier General Frederick Steele; 2nd Brigade under Brigadier General Charles E. Hovey. They departed onboard an armored gunboat of the U.S. Navy of the “Mosquito Fleet” on the Mississippi River; for a short time beginning on 22 December 1862; during the Yazoo Expedition. They participated in the Battle of Chickasaw Bayou (26-28 December 1862); as General Steele attempted to turn the Confederate right, but was repulsed under heavy artillery fire. The 12th Missouri also took part in the Battle of Chickasaw Bluff on 29 December 1862. Afterwards, Sherman’s Corps was renumbered the XV Corps, prior to departing on an Expedition to Arkansas Post on 3 January 1863. The expedition included action at the Battle of Arkansas Post (10-11 January 1863); as General Steele was sent inland to find a flanking route, but failed due to swampy lands & impassible roads. The next day, Steele held the left flank in the early morning, and when the order to advance was given, the 12th Missouri moved forward. While a massive assault was planned, the Confederates surrendered Fort Hindman, after small arms fights began to break out. Following the successful expedition, the 12th Missouri was sent (17-23 January 1863) to Young’s Point and Milliken’s Bend, Louisiana for duty until April 1863.

In April; the 12th Missouri was ordered back to the Vicksburg area as the city held the key to opening up the Mississippi River. Between 29 April & 2 May 1863; they conducted demonstrations against Haines & Drumgould’s Bluffs, during the Battle of Snyder’s Bluff. They then were involved in minor actions at Mississippi Springs, between 12-13 May 1863; and the Battle of Jackson on 14 May 1863.

Afterwards, they were sent to the Vicksburg area and were assigned to Sherman’s XV Corps, Steele’s First Division and the 2nd Brigade under General Charles R. Woods; they were brigaded with the 3rd Missouri, 17th Missouri, 25th Iowa, 31st Iowa and the 76th Ohio. When General Grant attacked the Confederate strongholds around Vicksburg, the 12th Missouri was in the thick of it on 19 May 1863; as they were easily repulsed. When Grant ordered another assault on 22 May 1863; Steele’s Division spent all morning trying to get into position through a ravine, on the Mint Spring Bayou. By 4 PM, they attacked the position held by the 26th Louisiana; and heavy casualties were taken. Captain Christian Andel was killed, while his brother 1st Lieutenant Casimir Andel was severely wounded. Captain Albert Affleck was also severely wounded. After the disastrous assault, the 12th Missouri joined the Union effort and laid siege against the Confederates in the City of Vicksburg, until their surrender on the 4th of July. Lieutenant Andel was sent home to recuperate from his wounds.

Following the , the 12th Missouri joined Sherman’s efforts to push the Confederates out of Central Mississippi and were involved in skirmishes at Bolton’s Deport (16 July), Briar Creek (17 July) and Clinton (18 July). Afterwards, they returned to camp at Big Black River until the 27th of September 1863. During this time, Belleville Constable Freidlander went to Vicksburg to visit his son Benjamin Friedlander (2nd Musician, Company D, 7th Missouri “Irish Seventh” Infantry) who was sick with camp fever and diarrhea. On his return trip, he brought the remains of Captain Christian Andel home, arriving on 9 August 1863; and the Captain was given a proper burial at Walnut Hill Cemetery on the following day. Lieutenant Casimir Andel returned to duty at the end of August, and was immediately promoted to Captain of Company D; then ordered to report to General P.J. Osterhaus as his aid-de-camp.

Prior to the upcoming engagements of the Chattanooga Campaign, the was reorganized, with the twelfth being assigned too Sherman’s Army of the Tennessee, XV Corps (Major General Francis P. Blair), First Division (General P.J. Osterhaus), First Brigade (General Charles R. Woods), and they were brigaded with 13th Illinois, 3rd Missouri, 17th Missouri, 27th Missouri, 29th Missouri, 31st Missouri, 32nd Missouri and the 76th Ohio. By personal request of General Osterhaus, the 12th Missouri was placed under his command. Henry Kircher wrote about their assignment under Osterhaus: “Wherever the Red One can go, we can go too… The assurance that General Osterhaus will lead us wherever we are going satisfies me.”

When the twelfth broke camp, they headed for operations in Alabama, following a brief stay in Memphis. They engaged in operations against the Memphis & Charleston Railroad (20-29 October 1863), which involved skirmishes at Cherokee Station (20 & 29 October), Cane Creek (26 October), and Tuscumbia (26-27 October). Afterwards, they headed for Chattanooga, arriving in the area on 21 November.

Going into action on the 23rd of November; Sherman had instructed Osterhaus’ Division to cross the pontoon bridge across the Tennessee River into Lookout Valley first, however the bridge was torn apart by the rivers current, and Osterhaus’ Division was stranded. After a brief conference it was decided by Sherman and Grant to have Osterhaus’ Division be temporarily reassigned to Hooker’s XX Corps, and Sherman’s Army would cross further north of Chattanooga. Hooker placed Osterhaus’ Division in support, and indeed saw action at the Battle of Lookout Mountain (24 November). Woods’ Brigade covered Groses’ Brigade and crossed the Lookout Creek on a foot bridge. Woods’ moved east of the base of the mountain as Grose moved up the slope. The two brigades isolated Walthall’s Confederate brigade and the entire 34th Mississippi Infantry was forced to surrender, along with 200 men from Moore’s Picket Line.

The Battle of Missionary Ridge (25 November) began in earnest, thus maintaining the Union offensive, however for most of the day the 12th Missouri and Osterhaus’ Division endured parades and other drills as new bridges were constructed across the Chattanooga Creek in the Rossville Gap. When Osterhaus began to move, the 12th Missouri moved at the double quick, along with Hooker’s XX Corps; they moved along the eastern ridge of the mountain, with Hooker’s right flank, as the overall drive was successful in herding the outnumbered Southern troops north.

On the 27th of November, Grant ordered Hooker to pursue the retreating Confederates, and Hooker had Osterhaus’ Division lead the way; as the 17th and 31st Missouri led the Union column into the gap east of Ringgold, initially deployed as skirmishers. The Confederates under Major General laid a carefully prepared trap in the gap, as they remained hidden until Osterhaus’ men were within fifty yards, before they opened fire. The initial volley’s disorganized the men and halted their pursuit, and pushed the 17th & 31st Missouri Infantries back, along with their supporting 29th Missouri,. Osterhaus, then sent the 13th Illlinois to flank the Confederates on the left flank, and the 76th Ohio to assault the right flank, with the 3rd & 12th Missouri up the center, to support the 17th & 31st Missouri. The 13th Illinois engaged hidden artillery in a sharp firefight, and maintained the ground they took, while the 76th Ohio was checked on White Oak Ridge. The Confederates delivered heavy casualties, while placing the 3rd, 12th, 17th, 29th & 31st Missouri in check. In Koerner’s recount of the battle, “A great many from Belleville who volunteered at the first call, were killed or wounded.” Col. Hugo Wangelin lost an arm; Major Frederick Ledergerber was wounded. Captain Joseph Ledergerber, whom Osterhaus called the best officer in the 12th Missouri, was killed. Captain Henry Kircher, lost both an arm and a leg. Lieutenant Colonel Jacob Kaercher, took command of the regiment.

Following the disaster at Ringgold’s Gap, the Twelfth marched in relief of Knoxville, from 28 November to 8 December; before retiring to winter quarters and garrison duty at Woodville, Scottsboro and Cleveland, Alabama. During this time Colonel Wangelin returned to duty. On 1 May 1864; the 12th Missouri joined the , which was led by General Sherman, and a necessary Army reorganization found the twelfth in the Army of the Tennessee under the command of Major General James B. McPherson; XV Corps commanded by Major General John A. Logan; First Division (Osterhaus) and the Third Brigade (Colonel Hugo Wangelin), leaving the command of the Twelfth in the capable hands of Lt. Colonel Kaercher.

The Atlanta Campaign began with demonstrations against Resaca, between (8-13 May 1864), which was followed by the Battle of Resaca (13-15 May). Afterwards, they advanced on Dallas, Georgia (18-25 May), and the Battles of Dallas, New Hope Church and Allatoona Hills between 25 May and 5 June 1864. The Twelfth underwent a series of operations around Marietta and against Kennesaw Mountain (10 June - 2 July), which included skirmishes at Bushy Mountain (15-17 June), and a direct assault against Kennesaw Mountain on 27 June. They skirmished at Nickajack Creek on 2 & 5 July 1864; and saw action at the Chattahootchie River (6-17 July). They were engaged in the Battle of Atlanta (22 July), before laying siege on the city from 22 July to 25 August; which included the Battle of Ezra Church (28 July) were Belleville native Captain Albert Affleck, was killed in an “heroic manner”. The Twelfth was then involved in a flanking movement at the Battle of Jonesborough (25-30 August) and the Battle of Lovejoy Station (2-6 September).

Shortly after the Battle of Lovejoy Station, many enlistments expired and those who chose to leave the Army were taken to the rear and mustered out of service. The last official action of the 12th Missouri Infantry, was the pursuit of Hood into Alabama (1-21 October 1864). The men were mustered out by companies and sent home for discharge; the veterans who reenlisted were consolidated with the veterans of the 3rd and 17th Missouri into the 15th Missouri Infantry. In total the 12th Missouri had 208 men die while in service. Ten Officers were killed by enemy combatants, and two by disease. The enlisted suffered 102 killed by Confederate forces and had 94 die by disease. When the 12th Missouri was setting off for home, they were personally bid farewell, by Major General Osterhaus.

After the war, the men of the Twelfth returned home and many of Companies A & B, returned to Belleville and St. Clair County, and remained there until the rest of their lives. Many went onto lead very productive lives after the war; Hugo Wangelin served as the Postmaster of Belleville from 1868 to 1874; then he was elected as an Alderman for Belleville’s 7th Ward from 1878 to 1883. Henry Kirchner would go on to become the President of the Belleville Savings Bank. Casimir Andel would succeed Joseph Fuess (Captain, 43rd Illinois Infantry) as President of the First National Bank of Belleville from 1904-1916; he would also command Company D, of the 4th Illinois National Guard Regiment in the 1890’s; and would Command the 4th Illinois Infantry (after it was reorganized) during the Spanish-American War. Private Charles Becker would be elected as Illinois Treasurer between 1888-90. Major Frederick Sunkel (who spent some time with the 12th Missouri) would become the Mayor of Belleville for one term.

! Colonel Hugo A. Wangelin

Hugo Wangelin; passed away after a prolonged illness on 26 February 1883; in which he suffered two strokes. He was laid to rest the following day at Walnut Hill Cemetery, in the early afternoon. His cortege was one of the largest ever witnessed (at that time) in the city as residents and visiting veterans of the 12th Missouri gathered. He was given two eulogies, one in English by Gustave Koerner and one in German by Col. Frederick T. Ledergerber of St. Louis. Koerner later remarked: “at the request of his family I pronounced a brief funeral address. Having known him for forty years and having formed a high opinion of his strict integrity, his truthfulness, his bravery, his firmness, his clear intellect, I spoke as I felt and believe I did justice to his memory.” In 1885, the Lebanon, Illinois Veterans named their Grand Army Post #588 the “Wangelin Post” in his honor. In September 1889; during a Southern Illinois Soldiers and Sailors Reunion, the St. Clair County Fairgrounds was renamed for the event “Camp Hugo Wangelin”, which was hosted by the Hecker Post #443 (GAR) & the Mersy Camp #10 (SVUSA).

The men of the 12th Missouri would go on to support and serve the Grand Army of the Republic; as many men would enlist in the original “Belleville” Post #217 between 1866 and 1872. (The author has “heard” rumors that Colonel Hugo Wangelin commanded Post #217, at one time or another, but hasn’t found any proof to confirm or deny this allegation, nor does his name appear on either Post roster known to exist.)

Their influence was definitely felt in the Hecker Post #443 between 1884-1943; as Casimir Andel and Frederick Sunkel would both serve as Post Commander. Comrade Conrad Dintlemann (Private, Company A); maintained and flew a battle torn regimental flag; and flew it with pride in Hecker Post parades and events. The flag was undoubtedly turned over to the Hecker War Museum in 1911 for preservation. The men of the Hecker Post rendered a Soldiers Burial to the remains of Captain Albert Affleck upon their return to Belleville in 1885, as they were re-interned at the Green Mount Cemetery, outside Belleville. The Hecker Post also hosted an Osterhaus Brigade Reunion (3rd, 12th & 17th Missouri Infantries), at the residence of Casimir Andel, in which a letter was read by General Osterhaus, on 26 May 1895.

The 12th Missouri held many reunions in St. Louis; the ones held in Illinois were usually hosted by Casimir Andel; and usually for Companies A & B. On 7 March 1886; one reunion was held for Companies A & B, at the Belleville Savings Bank; where Richard Wangelin read a letter written by his father, to his mother the day after the Battle of Pea Ridge, which gave a detailed account. Afterwards, Henry Huhn made a short speech before toasting the German Officers Sigel, Osterhaus and Wangelin; who led them during the unpleasantness of the ’60’s.

Over time, the old veterans of the 12th Missouri died off one by one, of one reason or another. The Belleville Advocate reported the deaths from across the country (and overseas), as they spread out after the war, as some of them ended up in “Soldier’s Homes” at the end of their lives. For example: Lieutenant Colonel Frederick T. Ledergerber; who was born in Shiloh Valley around 1834, being a cousin to Gustave Koerner and Frederick Scheel; he joined the 9th Illinois Infantry (Three Months) prior to joining the 12th Missouri, Company B; passed away on 4 July 1906; and was laid to rest at the Soldier’s Cemetery in Danville, Illinois 12th Missouri Infantry men from St. Clair County: Belleville 138 Company A: 83 Lebanon 3 Company B: 58 Freedom 3 Company D: 1 Shiloh 1 Company E: 1 Company I: 1 Field & Staff: 1

Information From: Wikipedia 12th Missouri Infantry 17th Missouri Infantry Battle of Pea Ridge Battle of Whitney’s Lane Battle of Chickasaw Bayou Battle of Arkansas Post Battle of Vicksburg Vicksburg Campaign Battle of Lookout Mountain Battle of Missionary Ridge Battle of Ringgold’s Gap Chattanooga Campaign Atlanta Campaign Battle of Atlanta Battle of Ezra’s Church Belleville Advocate 12 March 1886 4 May 1890 2 March 1883 27 September 1889 17 May 1895 5 July 1906 6 July 1906 20 March 1907 13 May 1898 14 August 1863 German Sons http://germansons.com/regiments_missouri/12_infantry.html Civil War Home - Pea Ridge; Gen’l Curtis’ Official report http://www.civilwarhome.com/curtis.html Illinois Civil War Muster & Descriptive Rolls www.ilsos.gov St. Clair County Genealogical Society - St. Clair Civil War Certificate Project www.stclair_ilgs.org “Memoirs of Gustave Koerner: 1809-1896; Life Sketches written at the suggestion of his children” By: Gustave Koerner pp. 163, 210, 397, 559, & 724 Edited By: Thomas J. McCormick © 1909; Mary K. Engelmann Torch Press; Cedar Rapids, Iowa http://archive.org/stream/memgustave02khorrich/memgustave02khorrich_djvu.txt Missouri Digital History http://s1.sos.mo.gov/records/archives/archivesdb/soldiers/default.aspx Cleburne: The Defense of Ringgold’s Gap http://thewildgeese.irish/profiles/blogs/cleburne-the-defense-of-ringgold-gap The Battle of Ringgold’s Gap / in Georgia 1861-1865 http://www.lat34north.com/HistoricMarkers/CivilWar/EventDetails.cfm? EventKey=18631127&EventTitle=Battle%20of%20Ringgold%20Gap “Yankee Warhorse: A biography of Major General Peter Osterhaus” By: Mary Bobbitt Townsend © 2010, The Curators of the University of Missouri University of Missouri Press, Columbia, Missouri

Revision: 3 9 May 2016