Charles Kochersperger facts for kids
Lieutenant Colonel Charles Kochersperger (1826–1867) was a brave officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He served with the 71st Pennsylvania Infantry Volunteers Regiment. He was the second-in-command of his unit at the famous 1863 Battle of Gettysburg. Later, he became the commander of the regiment at the 1864 Battle of the Wilderness.
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Who Was Charles Kochersperger?
Charles Kochersperger was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on February 8, 1826. He was the oldest son of Charles and Jane Kochersperger. On July 4, 1849, he married Sarah Ann Bozorth in Philadelphia.
A Unique Business Venture
Before the war, Charles Kochersperger was an entrepreneur. In 1855, he bought a special company called Blood's Penny Post. This company delivered mail privately. It even printed its own postage stamps!
What Was Blood's Penny Post?
Blood's Penny Post was a private mail service. It competed directly with the official United States Postal Service. However, the Supreme Court of the United States eventually decided that private companies could not compete with the government's mail service. So, Blood's Penny Post had to close down.
Serving in the Civil War
In 1861, when the Civil War began, Charles Kochersperger joined the 71st Pennsylvania Volunteers Regiment. He quickly showed his leadership skills. He rose through the ranks to become the second-in-command of his regiment.
Key Battles: Gettysburg and Wilderness
As second-in-command, he fought bravely at the Battle of Gettysburg. This was a very important battle in the war. Later, he took full command of his regiment for the Battle of the Wilderness. During this battle, he was seriously wounded.
Later Life and Legacy
Charles Kochersperger passed away in Philadelphia on December 27, 1867. He died from health problems caused by his war wounds. He was buried two days later at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Philadelphia. This cemetery no longer exists today. His wife, Sarah Ann, lived for many more years. She died in Darby, Pennsylvania, on April 14, 1912.
