1st Michigan Sharpshooters

Joseph L. Ashalter was my great grandfather. I am third generation to belong to The Daughter's of the Union Veterans Organization. Preceding me were Joseph's daughter, Ethel Ashalter Pittenger, my grandmother and my mother, Mabelle Pittenger Pratt. Joseph's wife, Sarah Charlotte Hoyt Mead Ashalter, was a member of the Women's Relief Corp during the War of the Rebellion.

No family notes have been added.

No family notes have been added.

No family notes have been added.

No family notes have been added.

No family notes have been added.

At the age of 16, he enlisted 25 July 1862 - discharged 12 June 1865, 1 Year 10 Mo 19 da - shot wound left leg - unabel to labor because of hurt. His parents were unaware of his enlistment and he didn't use his last name - shows in the rolls as George Lewis. In his recollections, he gives a description about how he was taken prisoner at Peebles Farm on the 30th of Sep 1864. Pension record confirms his being missing from Oct 1864 until April 1865 - he then is mustered out of the service in Jun 1865 from a hospital (Mower Gen. Hospital - Chestnut Hill) in Philadelphia. His involvement and capture at this battle is affirmed in his pension record by the regiment's commander. The written recollections, recorded by a son, indicate he was taken prisoner and transferred for a time to Libby Prison. Pension record indicates was in enemy control for two weeks, paroled, and traveled to Anapolis, MD,then to Baltimore and then to Philadelphia as noted above.

Died of wound received at Seige of Petersburg (Crater Assault).

Enlisted as a Private on 16 October 1863 at the age of 45. Captured, most likely at Petersburg, VA, and sent to Andersonville Prison. Died as a prisoner on 4 August 1864 of Anasarca at Andersonville, GA.

No family notes have been added.