C.H. Nelson and the Civil War

Today I visited the Maine State Archives following a brief conversation with Earle G. Shettleworth, Jr., Director and Maine State Historic Preservation Officer. My goal was to find additional information on C.H. Nelson's Civil War service. The staff at the Archives' Research Room was most helpful guiding me through the microfiche and books that recounted regimental histories.


At the age of 19 Nelson enlisted in Company G, the 19th Infantry Regiment. He enlisted on August 1, 1862, mustered August 25, 1862, and left the service March 13, 1863. His service dates for this enlistment placed him in the New Orleans Campaign. Fifty two Maine men were killed or died of wounds and 239 died of disease. Nelson was discharged to a hospital at Fort Schuyler, NY. He had contracted phthisis (TB). 


Nelson recovered from his bout with TB and reinlisted February 2, 1865. He mustered on February 23, 1865. This enlistment was in Company F, the 12th Infantry Regiment. During this enlistment he served in the Appomattox Campaign. He was honorable discharged March 3, 1866 in Savannah, Georgia.


Not a surprise, Nelson's occupation in the army was that of a teamster.


Given his weakened health as a result of his war service, Nelson credited his choice to work as a farmer and horseman as the remedy that returned to him his health and strength after the war.