Wilhelm Heinrich Hildebrand

1. According to his Civil War pension file, William immigrated to the United States through Philadelphia in late July 1854 . His trade listed in his Civil War pension file lists him as a box maker. He arrived into Philadelphia alone, leaving his parents and country behind.

2. He made his declaration of intent to become a US citizen on July 24, 1855.

3. Took the oath of allegiance on October 3, 1860.

4. He enlisted as a Private in Company I, 21st PA infantry on April 29, 1861. The 21st was headquartered on North 3rd St in Philadelphia. The officers were as follows: John F. Ballier, Col; Charles Ernenwein, Lt Col; Adolph Mehler, Major. On May 20, 1861, the regiment went to Suffolk park for training. On May 28, 1861, the regiment was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Division of Patterson's Army. The brigade Col. was George H. Thomas who gained later fame as the "Rock of Chickamauga" for his stalwart defense in the battle of the same name. Another well -known member of this brigade was the artillery captain, Abner Doubleday. Crossed into Virginia on June 17 and soon returned to Maryland. July 2, the regiment moved with brigade to Martinsburg, marched to Charlestown where they remained several days. They next went to Harper's Ferry, WV. The 21st had no opportunities to fight, but it was well disciplined. He mustered out with this unit August 8, 1861.

5. Fought in the Civil War. William was mustered into the 40th PA Infantry on August 24, 1861 as a Corporal in Co D. According to Civil War Records file on at the PA digital archives, William was an artist when he enlisted again. This regiment mustered in at Camp Worth in West Philadelphia, PA. Its officers were as follows: Francis Mahler, Lt Col; and Alvin Matzdorff was the Major.

6. Transferred from Company D, to Company E, November 1, 1861 and was promoted to full Sergeant.

7. About September 1862, the 40th PA became the 75th PA.

8. He was discharged December 31, 1863 at Chattanooga, TN in order to re-enlist.

9. He re-enlisted January 1, 1864 at Chattanooga, TN.

10. Transferred from Company E to Company S and promoted to Sergeant Major on March 1, 1864.

11. Mustered out with the Regiment, September 1, 1865 at Murfreesboro, TN. His discharge states he was an artist.

12. The 75th fought at Cross Keys (June 8, 1862),Freeman's Ford (August 22, 1862), Gainesville (August 28, 1862), Groveton (August 29, 1862), Second Manassas (August 29-30, 1862), Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville (May 2-3, 1863), Gettysburg (July 1, 2, & 4, 1863) , Lookout Valley, Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, Wauhatchie, Knoxville, Nashville, and Franklin, TN (November 30, 1864 and February 20, 1865).

13. William and Christianna were married by Reverend Doctor William Mann in Philadelphia, PA.

14. William and Christianna were Lutherans.

15. Owned a bakery at 11th & Vine Sts. Their house address was 1101 Vine Street in Philadelphia, PA. Listed in the 1890 Philadelphia directory as a baker at 1101 Vine St.

16. Their son, Charles, was born at their home on Vine St.

17. Their daughter, Emma, was married in their Vine St. home.

18. Possibly a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle based upon possessions at Gettysburg National Military Park Museum.

19. Listed in the 1880 (June 1, 1880) census as a confectioner. William and Christiana had three boarders at this time: William Pfeiffer, 21, worked for William; Margaret McCloskey, 20, servant; and Mary Cashman, 14, servant. This would lead to the conclusion that the business was very successful. Volume 66, ED 227, sheet 3, line 24, Ward 14.

20. Their last address was 221 Chestnut St. in Pottstown, Montgomery County, PA where they moved upon retirement from their business at 1101 Vine St (between July 12, 1893 and August 14, 1897).

21. The house at 221 Chestnut St. was torn down in 1923 to build a high school. Now site is a church parking lot (info from Harry E. Hildebrand).

22. Died from stricture of the esophagus. Apparently, his esophagus closed shut, thereby killing him. This is according to a copy of his death certificate signed on August 14, 1908. He died at his home on 221 Chestnut St., Pottstown, PA. The doctor's name is unreadable, but it was signed in Pottstown, PA. on August 14, 1908. The file number is 78388 and the registered number is 167. The undertaker was Harry G. Wilson of Pottstown.

23. He was buried in Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Philadelphia, PA on August 17, 1908.

WILLIAM'S CIVIL WAR PENSION FILE

1. On August 12, 1897, William applied for an invalid pension from his Civil War Service before a notary public in Pottstown, Montgomery County, PA. It states that William Hildebrand was 63 years of age, was a resident of the borough of Pottstown, in the County of Montgomery, State of Penna. This is from the original writing on the application:

He declares that he is the identical William Hildebrand who was enrolled the 24th day of August 1861, in Co. E 75 Regt. P.V. discharged 31st day of Dec 1863, Chattanooga Ten for reenlistment. Re enlisted 31st day of Dec 1863. Sergeant Major 75 Regt P.V. in the service of the United States in the war of the rebellion, and served at least ninety day and was HONORABLY DISCHARGED at Murfreesboro Tennessee, on the 1st day of September 1865; that he is unable to earn a support by manual labor by reason of Rheumatism and nervous debility of limbs. That said disabilities are not due to vicious habits, and are, to the best of his knowledge and belief, of a permanent character. That he has been employed in the military or naval service of the United States prior to Aug 24, 1861. Enrolled April 24, 1861, Co. I 21st Reg P.V. discharged eight day of August 1861 or subsequent to Sept 1, 1865. The certificate # is 948948.

2. There is a request dated Sept 1, 1897 from the Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, for the medical history of William Hildebrand who it is alleged, enlisted August 2, 1861 as a Private in Co. E 75 Regt Pa V.I. and was discharged Sept 1, 1865 at Murfreesboro, Tenn. Was also Sergeant Major 75 Pa V.I. It was addressed to the War Dept. Records and Pensions Office. It was signed by Col. Ainsworth on September 3, 1897 and returned with the following information:

- William Hildebrand, Co. D, 40th Regt Penn Inf was enrolled Aug 24, 1861 and M Out Sept 1, 1865.

- Transferred Nov 1, 1861 from Co. D to Co. E.; designation changed Jan'y or Feby 1862 to Co. E 75 Pa Inf; transferred March 7, 1864 to SGT. Major of 75 Pa Inf.

- From enlistment to MO. he held the rank of Corpl, SGT, 1st SGT & SGT Major. Re enlisted Dec 28, 1863 Vet Vol. and during that period the rolls show him present except as follows: Feby 28/65 absent on furlough at Philadelphia.

- The medical records show him treated as follows: Hildebrand, SGT. Major, 75 Pa Inf; May 23 to 25, 65, fever remit and June 13 to 20, 65, remittent fever (fever typhoid). Nothing additional found.

3. A medical report conducted on in Norristown, PA, on September 22, 1897 states the following (taking directly from doctor's report in their original writing and spelling):

His height - 5'4"; weight - 120 lbs.; respiration - normal; temperature - normal; and his age was 64. The doctor's state that William was a small, spare man; very nervous; poorly nourished; easily excited; very rapid heart; feeble impulse without murmurs; muscle flabby; slight loss of power in right side, with a slight anaesthesia; amount of loss of power is very apparent to claimant, but difficult to correctly estimate about 1/8. Has no spasms or vertigo, has a general tremor; pupils dilated; sways when standing with eyes closed. No loss of coordination, some noises in head, some cystic trouble, mild however; frequent urination, gets up at night; some pains and burning, no bloody passages. Rate for Nervous Debility & Debility of Age Fifteen Eighteenths (15/18). Crepitation in right shoulder; stiffness on motion, limitation 1/4; stoops & rises with difficulty, no enlargement or swelling or atrophy of joints. Pain & tenderness over lumbar regions. Rate for Rheumatism and Lumbago Eight Eighteenths (8/18). No evidence of vicious habits. By reason of his nervous debility & his age probably due to his long war service through the entire war, he is unable to do any manual labor to earn a living. Rate Seventeen Eighteenths (17/18). The Doctor's were: Harry H. Whitcomb, W. B. Shaver, and C. H. Mann.

4. On Nov 11, 1897, The Dept of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions requested information again from the War Dept. It states:

Claimant alleges he served in Co. I 21 Pa V.I. from April 21, 1861 to Aug 8, 1861. #1196142, Name William Hildebrand, SGT Maj. 75 Regt Pa. V.I. The response from Col. F.C. Ainsworth states William Hildebrand Co. I, 21st Regt Pa Inf. was enrolled April 21, 1861, and M.O. Aug 8, 1861 with Co. From Enr. to M.O. he held the rank of private.

5. On September 12, 1904, William made a declaration for an Increase of Pension. He appeared before J.M. Neiman, a justice-of-the-peace in Pottstown, PA stating that he was a pensioner receiving $10 per month. William believed himself entitled to the increase due to nervousness, chills, and rheumatism. He also claimed this on account of old age that he was born on August 23, AD 1833. His pension was increased to $12 per month effective on September 14, 1904. The copy of the pension increase record of this date states that William alleged nervousness, chills, and rheumatism. The approval for the increase states that William had a total inability to earn support by manual labor. A similar declaration of the same time frame also listed his advanced age as a contributing factor to his overall disability.

6. Another medical evaluation was conducted on November 16, 1904 in Reading, PA states the following (taken directly from the doctor's report in the original handwriting and spelling):

Name of claimant: William Hildebrand, Company 75th Regt Pa. Vol. Infty

Claimant's P.O. address: Pottstown, PA

Names of disabilities: Rheumatism, Nervous Debility, Senile Debility, Chills.

Claimant's brief statement: He has rheumatism since the service. All other disabilities were incurred within the last 30 yrs, incapacitating him for labor.

Birthplace: Germany; age - 72; height 5-4; weight 120 lbs.; complexion - light; color of eyes - blue; color of hair - gray; occupation - none; permanent marks & scars - none. Fairly well nourished. Hands soft.

Rheumatism? All the large joints are affected. Pain crepitus (?) and stiffness are the monument symptoms. No inequality. Limited power and motion of each shoulder, knee or hip 1/3 of normal. Elbows, wrists or ankles each 1/4 of normal.

Lumbago? The lumbar muscles are also considerably stiffened, tender and contracted. No inequality. Power and motion of the back limited to 1/2 of normal. All other joints and muscles are normal.

Heart? Auscultation reveals both sounds to be natural. No murmur. Apex is in the 5 interspace. Dullness is normal in extent as found by percussion.

Debility? Senile and General debility marked. Applicant is very nervous due to age.

No evidence of chills. The chilly sensation complained of is due to lowered vitality the result of old age.

Lungs? Auscultation reveals a loud and distinct respiratory murmur. No vales. No dullness on percussion.

Kidneys? Urine acid amber sp. gr 1024. No albumen heat test. No sugar fehlings test.

No other disability. No vicious habits.

We find that the aggregate permanent disabilities for earning support by manual labor are due to Rheumatism and Disability, not due to vicious habits and warrant a rate or $12.00 a month.

Signed by Dr. Stanley, Dr. D.H.B. Kupp, and Dr. J.F. Feick.

7. There is another re-issue form for a pension increase from the Act of February 6, 1907. It states:

- Claimant William Hildebrand

- P.O. 221 Chestnut Street, Pottstown, Montgomery County, PA

- Rank Sergeant Major; Company 75 Pa Vol. Inf.

- Rate, $15 per month, commencing February 19th 1907.

APPROVAL: Submitted for Admission, April 25, 1907, M.L. Stadden Examiner.

Approved for admission, Age over 70. Rate $15 per month. Reissue to allow under Act February 6th, 1907. Deduct sub payments and drop name from rolls under Act of June 27th, 1890.

Enlisted April 21, 1861; honorably discharged August 8, 1861.

Enlisted August 24, 1861; honorably discharged September 1, 1865.

Pensioned at $12 per month, under Act June 27, 1890.

Present Claim, Act of February 6, 1907.

Declaration filed February 19, 1907.

Date of birth alleged, August 23, 1833.

Age shown by evidence Seventy-one years.

8. A re-issue under the act of February 6, 1907, No. 948948 states the following:

- It is hereby certified That in conformity with the laws of the United States, William Hildebrand who was a Sergeant Major, 75 Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry is entitled to a pension at the rate of Fifteen dollars per month to commence on the nineteenth day of February one thousand nine hundred and seven.

- Given at the Department of the Interior this Ninth day of May one thousand nine hundred and seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and thirty-first. Signed by James Rudolph Garfield who was the Secretary of the Interior.

9. The pension file found in the National Archives has a copy of Record of Proof of Death of Soldier. This is dated September 4, 1908. The form was a statement from Rev. Irvin B. Kurtz before Samuel H. Fridy, notary public in Pottstown, PA. Rev. Kurtz was a pastor of the Emanuel Lutheran Church in Pottstown, PA. Rev. Kurtz stated that church records show that William Hildebrand died at 221 Chestnut Street, Pottstown, PA on August 12, 1908 and was buried at Mount Vernon Cemetery Philadelphia, PA August 17, 1908 and that I was the officiating clergy at said burial. This was information needed for Christianna's Widow's pension claim.

10. His pension was dropped on September 10, 1908, due to his death on August 12, 1908. Christianna filed for a widow's pension thereafter (claim # 661255).

11. The pension file has a copy of William's & Christianna's marriage certificate. It states that they were married on September 28, 1865, by Rev. William Mann, a Lutheran minister. His occupation was listed as a box maker. He listed his residence as Philadelphia, PA. His age is listed as 31 (actually he was 32). Christianna's maiden name was Aschenbach. She listed Philadelphia as her residence and her age as 22 (correct).

"75th REGIMENT INFANTRY

Organized from the city of Philadelphia August 1861 as 40th Pennsylvania Volunteers. Mustered in at Camp Worth in West Philadelphia, PA. Left state for Washington, D.C., September 26, 1861. Attached to Casey's Provisional Division, Army Potomac, to November 1861. Bohlen's 3rd Brigade, Blenker's Division, Army Potomac, to March 1862. 3rd Brigade, Blenker's Division, 2nd Army Corps, Army Potomac, to April 1862. 3rd Brigade, Blenker's Division, Dept. of the Mountains, to June 1862. 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 1st Corps, Army of Virginia, to September 1862. 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 11th Army Corps, Army Potomac, to October 1863. 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 11th Army Corps, Army Cumberland to April 1864. Unattached, 4th Division, 20th Army Corps, Department Cumberland, to March, 1865. 1st Brigade, 1st Sub-District, Middle Tennessee, to September 1865.

SERVICE. - Duty in the Defenses of Washington, D.C., till March 1862. Advance on Manassas, Va., March 10-15. Near Catlett's Station till April 6. Moved to Petersburg, West Virginia, April 6-May 11. Operations in the Shenandoah Valley till June. Battle of Cross Keys June 8. At Sperryville July 7-August 8. Pope's Campaign in Northern Virginia August 16-September 2. Freeman's Ford August 22. Sulphur Springs August 24. Battles of Gainesville August 28; Groveton August 29; Bull Run August 30. Duty in the Defences of Washington, D.C., till November. Moved to Centreville November 1-19, thence to Fredericksburg December 9-16.

"Mud March" January 20-24, 1863. At Stafford Court House until April 27. Chancellorsville Campaign April 27-May 6. Battle of Chancellorsville May 1-5. Gettysburg (PA) campaign June 13-July 24. Battle of Gettysburg July 1-3. Guard duty along the Orange & Alexandria Railroad till September. Ordered with the rest of the 11th Corps and 12th Corps to Chattanooga, TN on September 24, 1863 at 2:30 AM. These two corps were under command of Maj Gen. Joseph Hooker. Movement to Bridgeport, Alabama, September 24-October 3. Operations in Lookout Valley October 19-26. Re-opening Tennessee River October 26-29. Battle of Wauhatchie, Tenn., October 28-29. Chattanooga-Ringgold Campaign November 23-27. Orchard Knob November 23. Tunnel Hill November 24-25. Missionary Ridge November 25. March to relief of Knoxville November 28-December 17. Duty in Pleasant Valley till January, 1864. Veterans on furlough till March. Moved to Bridgeport, Alabama, March 8, and duty there till July. Moved to Nashville, Tenn., July 31, and guard trains on Nashville & Northwestern Railroad till December. Moved to Franklin December 20, and duty there till September, 1865, guarding trains, scouting and provost duty. (Co. "C" was stationed on Tennessee & Alabama Railroad and captured.) Mustered out September 1, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 6 Officers and 46 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 2 Officers and 107 Enlisted men by disease. Total 161."

The regiment's most significant engagements seem to have been Cross Keys, Second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg (1st day). They were transferred West with Hooker in the fall of 1863.

The regiment's most visible moment was at Chancellorsville where it formed the extreme right flank of Hooker's Army (along with the 75th Ohio) and absorbed the first shock of Jackson's flank attack on the afternoon of May 2, 1863.  

GETTYSBURG. - Taken from the Guide to PA Troops at Gettysburg by Richard Rollins & Dave Shultz; 1996.

The commanders of the 75th PA Regiment at Gettysburg were (1) Col. Francis Mahler (1826-1863) who was mortally wounded on July 1st.  (2) Maj. August Ledig (1816-1895), assumed command.  The strength of the 75th at Gettysburg was 9 Cos, 208 effectives.  Their losses were K- 19; W- 89; M- 3.  Total: 111.  Percent loss: 53.  The regiments weapons were .58 Springfield Rifles.  The organization the regiment belonged to was:  XI Corps, 3rd Div., 2nd Brig.

On July 1st, held position indicated by their monument (located on Howard Ave. several hundred yds east of the Carlisle Rd.) for one hour. Soundly beaten when flanked by over powering numbers from Gordon's Georgia Brigade. Retreated in disorder to Cemetery Hill.

On July 2 and 3, held their position approximately 50 yards northwest of their present monument (located in the National Cemetery west of the Baltimore Pike near the statue of General Reynolds), in rear of a low stone wall on the brow of Cemetery Hill. Skirmishers posted at various points about the fields and lots southeast of the Dobbin House were in constant battle with enemy sharpshooters and riflemen in nearby buildings and lots. Subjected to continuous enemy rifle fire. Several men hit by sharpshooters, none killed. Held this position throughout July 3rd, not engaged. Several men wounded, one mortally, during the great cannonade and by the continuous small-arms fire. Held this position until July 5th. Reconnoitering details were sent into town and on toward the battlefield of July 1st in search of missing and wounded.

Report of Maj. Ledig, 75th PA Inf. on July 28, 1863: On July 1st we were immediately ordered to the north side of the town, where the regiment was placed as follows: On my left (the extreme left of the 2nd Brig.), the 82nd Ohio: on my right, the 119th NY, in line of battle. Here we received a heavy fire from the enemy's 10-Pounder rifled guns, which caused the loss in the regiment of 1 killed and 2 wounded.

About 2 o'clock, the whole brigade advanced nearly one-half mile, which was greatly interrupted by fences, which had to be taken down under a heavy fire of musketry from the enemy. When within 100 yards of them, in a wheat field, we charged upon them and drove them back. We halted, and opened fire on the enemy. The 82nd Ohio, on my left, was flanked, and gave way.

Col. F. Mahler's horse was shot, but he (the colonel) got up again, and went forward to direct the fire to the left flank, which was now unprotected, and enemy threatening to cut off our retreat. He was already within 40 yards of our left and rear. Colonel Mahler at this moment received a severe wound, and was disabled, so I took the command, and directed at once the fire left-oblique, and began to retreat behind a fence, which I could only pass by the flank, moving my left flank through first, so as to give the enemy battle on my left and front.

I began now to retreat about 200 yards into an orchard. The 119th NY Regiment, on my right, suffered also heavily from the flank attack, and moved backward also into the garden. I received orders to fall back on the town. Here the 2nd Division arrived and went into the engagement. Shortly after this, a new line behind the town was ordered, and formed by my regiment in the best of order. I was ordered into a cornfield behind a stone wall, below the Evergreen Cemetery, the 82nd Ohio on my right, the First Brigade on my left. On July 2 and 3, the regiment was not actively engaged. I lost here three men killed and wounded by the heavy bombardment.

75th PA at Gettysburg from the book "Gettysburg July 1" by David G. Martin

On July 1, 1863, the 11th Corps marches for Gettysburg starting at 08:30. The 11th Corps actively engaged only the 1st and 3rd Divisions numbering 5200 men. The 2nd Division was held in reserve on Cemetery Hill. The 75th was part of the 3rd Division. On July 1st, the division had only 3100 men. The 3rd Division reached Cemetery Hill about 12:30 PM. The 75th was also a part of Krzyzanowski's 2nd Brigade which numbered 1200 men. The 3rd Division was posted on the right flank of the 1st Corps about 400 yards away. The 11th Corps was posted at right angles to the 1st Corps.

The initial formation of the 2nd Brigade was north of Pennsylvania College in an orchard on the right side of Mummasburg Rd. The initial formation from left to right was: 26th Wisconsin, 119th NY, 75th PA, and 82 OH. While the brigade was deploying, they came under severe artillery fire from Confederate batteries on Oak Hill. The Brigade then switched formation with the 82nd OH on the far left followed by the 75th. The 75th saw the approach of the 21st GA under General John Gordon and promptly charged the regiment driving it back. The brigade was then attacked by the 21st & 44th GA Regiments of Gordon's Brigade head on. Two other Gordon Regiments, the 31st & 60th GA, turned and poured an enfilading fire on the brigade. The 44th outflanked the left of the brigade (82nd OH & 75th PA). Col. Mahler of the 75th ran to his left flank to prevent it from being turned. During this action, Col. Mahler was severely wounded by another volley of the 44th. Major Augustus Ledig took over command of the regiment and ordered it to fire by left oblique at the 44th GA. Maj. Ledig then moved the 75th to the left to face the 44th and to gain access to an opening in a fence that was blocking a more direct withdrawal. In 15 minutes, the 75th lost 111 men killed and wounded. The 75th then retreated initially about 200 yards to an orchard and eventually pulled back to Cemetery Hill.

The conclusion of why Krzyzanowski's Brigade collapsed was a belief that the brigade was densely packed allowing both flanks to be overlapped by Gordon's Brigade. Also, the collapse of the 11th Corps was blamed on numerous reasons. Gen. Francis Barlow erred in advancing his division to the knoll that bears his name where he was unsupported on both flanks. Gen. Carl Schurz did not keep a close enough eye on Barlow and once he saw his error, he sent Krzyzanowski's brigade and the 157th NY as unsupported fodder to resist the Confederate attack. The ultimate blame was placed on Gen. Oliver Howard who was well informed by Gen. John Buford's cavalry that two strong Confederate columns were approaching Gettysburg, on the 11th Corps front. Even so, Howard insisted on trying to push his 3rd Division to Oak Hill. He did not acknowledge how weak and thinly spread his line was north of Gettysburg. There was simply too much ground for four under strength brigades to cover. Howard also ignored Schurz's call for reinforcements and did not bother to share with Barlow his intelligence about General Early's impending arrival with his division.

Directions to burial plot located at Mount Vernon Cemetery (Plot 214, Section K). Enter front gate, take right fork up, come to a pyramid block monument, road splits, go left of monument up to the mausoleum and park there. From the mausoleum, go straight across roadway about 100 yards. The headstone is on the left as you walk straight ahead.