Joseph Bauer facts for kids

Joseph Bauer (born April 18, 1845 – died October 12, 1938) was a German-American who worked to help workers get fair treatment. He was also a politician. He lived a long life and saw many changes in America.

Joseph Bauer's Early Life and War Service

Joseph Bauer was born on April 18, 1845, in a place called the Grand Duchy of Baden in Germany. When he was just seven years old, he moved with his family to America. They made their new home in Rochester, New York.

Joseph started working as a shoemaker when he was only fourteen. He was still working in this job when the American Civil War began.

Serving in the American Civil War

In October 1861, when Joseph was 16, he joined the army. He became a soldier in the 8th New York Volunteer Cavalry Regiment. A month later, he officially became a private in Company K.

In June 1863, he moved to a different group, the 5th New York Independent Light Artillery. He stayed with them until July 1865, when the war ended. Joseph fought in several important battles, including the famous Battle of Gettysburg. He even planned to go to a reunion for soldiers in 1938, but he broke his foot and couldn't make it.

Joseph Bauer's Work for Labor Rights

After the war, Joseph continued to work as a shoemaker. He lived in different cities like Buffalo, Cleveland, and Elmira. Eventually, he settled down for good in Rochester.

Joseph was very involved in helping workers. He joined groups like the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor. These groups worked to improve conditions and pay for workers. In the 1880s, he even helped organize a union for people who worked on horse-drawn streetcars. He also led Rochester's very first Labor Day parade, which celebrates workers' contributions.

Joseph Bauer's Political Career

In 1888, Joseph Bauer was elected to the New York State Assembly. This is a part of the state government where laws are made. He was a member of the Republican Party and represented the 2nd District of Monroe County, New York. He served in the Assembly in 1889.

After his time as an Assembly member, he continued to work there. He was appointed as the Doorkeeper of the Assembly for several years: 1894, 1895, 1896, 1897, and 1898.

Later Life and Family

Joseph Bauer was an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic. This was a group for Union Army veterans of the Civil War. In 1937, he was chosen to be the Commander of the New York State Department for this group. He also served as the main leader for Rochester's Memorial Day parades.

Joseph's first wife was Louisa Wolf from Buffalo. They had ten children together. Louisa passed away in 1915. Later, in 1934, he married Mrs. Fannie Hamman, but she died in 1936.

Joseph Bauer passed away at Genesee Hospital on October 12, 1938, when he was 93 years old. He had a very large family, including seven children who were still living, 24 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great-grandchildren. He was buried in Mount Hope Cemetery.