John R. Fesler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Roush Fesler
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| Born | November 16, 1835 Xenia, Ohio, US |
| Died | February 19, 1920 (aged 84) Indianapolis, Indiana, US |
| Buried |
Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis
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| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army
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| Years of service | 1861–1864 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant Colonel (USV) |
| Commands held | 27th Indiana Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Spouse(s) | Harriett Louisa Fish |
John Roush Fesler (born November 16, 1835 – died February 19, 1920) was a brave officer in the Union Army. He came from Xenia, Ohio, and fought during the American Civil War.
Contents
Early Life
John Roush Fesler was born on November 16, 1835, in Xenia, Ohio. His parents were William and Charity Fesler. Later, John moved to Indiana. In 1859, he married Harriett Louisa Fish in Mooresville, Indiana.
Fighting in the Civil War
When the American Civil War started in 1861, John Fesler chose to fight for the Union. On August 30, 1861, he joined the Union Army in Morgantown, Indiana. He became a Captain, leading Company G in the 27th Indiana Infantry Regiment.
Early Battles
Captain Fesler led his company in important battles. These included the First Battle of Winchester and the Battle of Cedar Mountain. In 1862, his regiment became part of the 12th Army Corps.
He also commanded his company during the Battle of Antietam. This big battle happened near Sharpsburg, Maryland, on September 17, 1862. His regiment spent the winter of 1862-1863 camped in Virginia.
Rising Through the Ranks
On February 13, 1863, Fesler was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of the 27th Indiana. In March 1863, his corps was given a star as its special symbol.
On May 5, 1863, Lieutenant Colonel Fesler was wounded during the Battle of Chancellorsville in Virginia. He bravely continued to serve. From July 2-3, 1863, he temporarily commanded the entire 27th Indiana Regiment during the famous Battle of Gettysburg. This happened because the regiment's colonel was put in charge of a larger group of soldiers.
Later that month, Fesler and his regiment helped stop the New York Draft Riots in New York City. These riots were protests against the draft, which was a way to force people to join the army.
The Atlanta Campaign
In early 1864, Fesler's regiment joined a new group called the 20th Army Corps. They kept the same star symbol as their old corps. As part of the 20th Corps, Fesler and the 27th Indiana took part in the Atlanta campaign. This was a major series of battles to capture the city of Atlanta.
They fought in the Battle of Resaca and the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. On July 20, 1864, Fesler again commanded the regiment at the Battle of Peachtree Creek. This was because the colonel was wounded. John Fesler and the 27th Indiana Regiment finished their service in November 1864.
After the War
After the Civil War ended, John Fesler went back to Indiana. He became a member of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.). This was a group for Union veterans, or former soldiers, of the Civil War.
John Fesler and Harriett Fish had six children: May, William, Bert, Emile, Charles, and Clara. John Roush Fesler passed away on February 19, 1920, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was 84 years old.
