Charles Coster facts for kids
Charles Robert Coster was an American soldier and public official. He is best known for leading a group of soldiers, called a brigade, during the important Battle of Gettysburg in the American Civil War.
Early life
Charles Coster was born in New York City. His family was well-known. His grandfather, John Gerard Coster, came from Haarlem in the Netherlands. He started a successful business. This helped the family become wealthy.
Military career
When the American Civil War began, Charles Coster joined the army. This was on April 17, 1861. He was a private in the 7th New York Militia. This was one of the first groups to defend Washington, D.C..
Later in 1861, at age 24, he became a first lieutenant. He joined the 12th U.S. Infantry. He fought in the Seven Days Battles. His leaders praised him for his actions. This was especially true at the Battle of Gaines' Mill in 1862.
In October 1862, Coster became a colonel. He led the new 134th New York Volunteer Infantry. By December 1862, his regiment was part of the XI Corps. This corps belonged to the Army of the Potomac.
Coster's regiment fought in the Battle of Chancellorsville. In May 1863, his regiment joined the 1st Brigade. When his commander went on leave in June, Coster took charge of the brigade. He then led his soldiers toward Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Gettysburg
On July 1, 1863, the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg, Coster's brigade was held back. They were placed on Cemetery Hill. This was a reserve position.
As the Union army's right side began to fall back, Coster's brigade was sent forward. Their job was to cover the retreat. They took a position just north of the town. They were deployed in a brickyard.
Confederate soldiers attacked Coster's brigade. These enemy forces were much larger. Coster's brigade fought bravely. They lost many soldiers in this fight. The remaining soldiers then spent the next two days helping cannons on Cemetery Hill. Coster was praised for his courage.
After Gettysburg
Later in 1863, Coster left his command of the regiment. In May 1864, he became a provost marshal for New York State. This role involved managing military affairs. He left this job in April 1865.
After the war, he lived in New York City. In 1882, he became a federal Pension Agent. He helped soldiers get their pensions. He left this position in 1885. He was also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. This was a group for Civil War veterans.
Personal life
In 1864, Coster married Marie Bay James. They had four children together. One of their children was William Bay Coster. He became a banker. Marie was also related to famous people. Her uncle was the theologian Henry James Sr.. This made her a cousin to the author Henry James and the psychologist William James.
Charles Coster died in New York City on December 23, 1888. He was buried a few days later.
Memorials
Today, there is a place called Coster Avenue at the Gettysburg Battlefield. It is inside the town itself. There is a marker for his brigade there. There are also three monuments for the regiments he commanded. A mural painting on a nearby building shows the Confederate attack. It also shows Coster's defense during the battle.
