Joseph Gerhardt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph P. Gerhardt
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| Born | May 25, 1817 Bonn, Kingdom of Prussia |
| Died | August 19, 1881 (aged 64) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Place of burial |
Prospect Hill Cemetery, Washington, D.C., U.S.
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1863 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 46th New York Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | Restaurant owner, Public Servant |
Joseph P. Gerhardt (May 25, 1817 – August 19, 1881) was a German American restaurant owner. He became a high-ranking officer, a colonel, in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was later given a special honor, called a brevet, to the rank of brigadier general in 1863. This was for his bravery and excellent service in battle.
Contents
Early Life and Political Actions
Joseph Gerhardt was born in 1817 in Bonn, which was then part of Prussia (now Germany). He studied at the University of Bonn. Joseph believed strongly in fairness and equal rights for everyone.
In 1848, there were many big protests and revolutions across Europe. Joseph took part in these events in a city called Rastatt. He even led a group of people who were fighting for change. When the revolution failed, he had to leave his home country for his own safety. He traveled through Switzerland and arrived in the United States in 1850.
Joseph settled in Washington, D.C. At that time, many German immigrants lived there. He opened a popular restaurant and beer garden called the Capitol Garden Restaurant.
He was also very active in politics. He supported the new Republican Party. This party was still quite new and sometimes caused arguments. Joseph later helped start the German Republican Association in Washington, D.C. In 1860, he was chosen to be a delegate for Abraham Lincoln at the Republican National Convention. This was a big meeting where political parties chose their candidates for president.
Joining the Military
After Abraham Lincoln was elected President in November 1860, some states that allowed slavery threatened to leave the United States. Joseph Gerhardt knew that a war might start. So, on January 11, 1861, he helped create a group of 65 volunteer soldiers called the "Turner Rifles." He was chosen as the captain of this group.
He quickly moved up in rank. On September 16, 1861, he became a major and was put in charge of the 46th New York Volunteer Infantry regiment. He led his soldiers to different places, including Annapolis, Maryland, and then to Hilton Head, South Carolina.
Key Battles and Promotions
From December 1861 to May 1862, Joseph Gerhardt led his unit in the Siege of Fort Pulaski at Tybee Island, Georgia. This was an important battle to take control of a fort.
In June 1862, his unit was sent to James Island near Charleston, South Carolina. Joseph led his regiment in a battle there on June 16, 1862, during the Battle of Secessionville.
His unit then returned to a Union base in Newport News, Virginia. In July 1862, they joined a new large group of soldiers called the IX Corps. Joseph was promoted to lieutenant colonel on July 1, 1861. He fought in several more battles, including the First Battle of Rappahannock Station in August 1862 and the Second Battle of Bull Run later that month.
His unit played a key role in helping the Union army during the Battle of South Mountain on September 14, 1862. They helped to make the Union battle line stronger. During this battle, his soldiers were accidentally shot at by another friendly Union unit, but they quickly lay down to stay safe.
Although the IX Corps was part of the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862, Joseph Gerhardt's unit was kept in reserve. This meant they did not fight directly in the main battle. However, they did help by providing cover fire for soldiers crossing the Rappahannock River. He was promoted to colonel on December 17, 1862. His unit then stayed in winter camp at Falmouth, Virginia.
In mid-1863, the IX Corps was moved to a different army group called the Army of the Tennessee. Joseph Gerhardt led the 46th New York Volunteers during the Siege of Vicksburg, which was almost over. They also took part in the Jackson Expedition, helping to capture Jackson, Mississippi, on July 17.
Later in July, the IX Corps was moved again, this time to the Army of the Ohio. Joseph moved his troops to their headquarters in Knoxville, Tennessee. They fought in the Battle of Blue Springs on October 10, 1863. Joseph Gerhardt left the volunteer army on November 8, 1863, due to a health issue.
Joseph Gerhardt was a friend of President Lincoln. In 1864, he again attended the Republican National Convention as a delegate supporting Lincoln. On July 23, 1866, Joseph Gerhardt was given the special honorary rank of brevet brigadier general. This honor was made effective from March 13, 1865.
Life After the War
After the war, Joseph Gerhardt returned to Washington, D.C. He opened another restaurant and continued to be involved in local Republican Party politics. He also stayed active in German community groups.
In 1867, he was chosen to be on the jury for the trial of John Surratt. Surratt was accused of being involved in a plot to harm President Lincoln.
In 1877, Joseph Gerhardt started working as a clerk for the United States Department of the Interior. However, his health was not good because of his time serving in the war. By 1880, his health had gotten much worse. He had to leave his job and sell his restaurant business.
Joseph Gerhardt passed away at his home in Washington, D.C., on August 19, 1881. He was survived by his wife and seven children. The Washington Saengerbund, a German singing group, sang at his funeral. He was buried at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Washington, D.C. An artillery unit fired an 11-gun salute over his grave to honor him.
Joseph Gerhardt's son, also named Joe Gerhardt, became a famous baseball player. He was one of the best second basemen of his time in Major League Baseball.
Images for kids
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Grave of Joseph Gerhardt at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
