William Hexamer facts for kids

William Hexamer was a brave leader who commanded a group of cannons, called an artillery battery, during the American Civil War. He was born in Koblenz, Germany, on April 12, 1825.

When he was younger, Hexamer was involved in the 1848 Revolution in Europe. This was a time when many people in different countries wanted more freedom and change. He worked as an assistant to Franz Sigel, another important leader. When the revolution didn't succeed, both Hexamer and Sigel had to leave their home country to find safety elsewhere.

By 1861, Hexamer had become a major. He was in charge of a local military group, known as a militia, called the Hudson County Artillery.

Serving in the Civil War

When the American Civil War began, Governor Charles Smith Olden and Hexamer offered his artillery group to the United States government. At first, the government said no. But after about four months, they changed their minds. Hexamer's battery officially joined the volunteer army on August 12, 1861. From then on, it was known as Battery A, 1st Battery New Jersey Light Artillery.

This battery first served with the First New Jersey Brigade. This group was led by Brigadier General Philip Kearny. They were part of a big military plan called the Peninsula Campaign. During this time, Hexamer's battery was part of the VI Corps, which was a large part of the Army of the Potomac.

Key Battles and Campaigns

Hexamer’s battery fought in the Antietam Campaign. They were with the VI Corps at the Battle of Crampton’s Gap and the famous Battle of Antietam. During these battles, they were part of a division led by Major General Henry Warner Slocum. The battery also fought in the Battle of Fredericksburg with the same division.

Hexamer became sick and could not lead his battery during the Second Battle of Fredericksburg and the Battle of Salem Church. Both of these battles were fought by the VI Corps. During this time, Lieutenant Augustine N. Parsons took command of Battery A.

On May 3, 1863, Battery A helped protect the Union soldiers as they crossed the Rappahannock River. The cannons moved forward with the army toward Salem Church. They helped support an attack against a group of soldiers led by Brigadier General Cadmus Wilcox near the church. When the VI Corps had to defend itself, Parsons’ cannons supported the infantry (foot soldiers) until they started to run out of ammunition. The battery also helped protect the soldiers as they retreated back across the river on May 4.

Gettysburg and Later Service

Lieutenant Parsons remained in command for the important Battle of Gettysburg. Battery A was assigned to the Reserve Artillery, which meant they were kept ready for when they were most needed. On July 3, 1863, the battery was sent to the front lines. Their job was to help stop a major attack by the Confederate army known as Pickett's Charge. Their cannons supported the Philadelphia Brigade during the most critical moment of this attack.

Hexamer returned to lead his battery in the fall of 1863. His battery continued to serve in the Reserve Artillery during the Bristoe Campaign and the Battle of Mine Run. In 1864, Hexamer’s battery stayed with the Reserve Artillery during the Overland Campaign. However, by the time of the Battle of Cold Harbor, they were assigned back to the VI Corps. The battery supported the Union army's attacks at Cold Harbor, which unfortunately did not succeed. The battery remained with the VI Corps during the early parts of the Siege of Petersburg.

William Hexamer was officially released from military service on August 18, 1864. Lieutenant Parsons then took over as the commander of the battery.

After the War

William Hexamer passed away from a throat infection at his home in Hoboken, New Jersey, on August 25, 1870. He was buried at Grove Church Cemetery in North Bergen, New Jersey.