Cpl. (USA), Samuel Berwin

Samuel Berwin was born in the small town of Babimost Bomst in Poland, somewhat near the border with Germany. He came to the United States shortly before the civil war. He served in the NY 54th volunteer unit called the Schwarzyagers. He was wounded at 2nd Bull Run. He enlisted from New Jersey across the river from New York on September 17, 1861 using an assumed name of Joseph Bernstein. He received a government pension leading to the discovery of the records documenting his names.

BERNSTEIN , JOSEPH.—Age, 28 years. Enlisted at Hudson City, N. J. , to serve three years, and mustered in as private, Co. G, September 17, 1861; transferred to Co. K , same date; promoted corporal, no date; discharged for disability, May 15, 1863, at General Hospital, Washington, D. C.

He married a young widow Veronica Wedeles Block Schwarzkopf who was running a public house or bar or tavern in the south side of St. Louis. She was the widow of Louis Schwarzkopf, and had had several small children by him living with her at her establishment. Veronica (Dora) and Samuel had several more children together.

In the 1900 Federal Census of St. Louis he is recorded as living at 1520 Washington Street and was employed as an optician. He was born in Austria and so were his parents and wife Dora. His children Agnes, Max and Harry lived with them.

Confirmation of Samuel Berwin's service as a Jewish soldier in the US Civil War is available in the Roster files and research results of the Shapell Foundation and may be accessed online at shapell.org. .