Soldier Story: Benjamin Pearson a new family link to the Civil War

 I have been digging more and more into my family heritage, recently I found yet another link for my family to the Civil War. Ironically he served in one of my favorite units, the 151st Pennsylvania Infantry.

Benjamin Pearson my 1st Cousin 4x removed was 21 when he joined the 151st in September of 1862. 

The 151st Pennsylvania Infantry was mustered into service at Harrisburg in October 1862 before moving to Union Mills, Virginia. Many of its soldiers were schoolteachers, students, and farmers, particularly from Berks and Susquehanna Counties in Pennsylvania, earning the regiment its nickname, "The Schoolteachers' Regiment."

The 151st Pennsylvania Infantry participated in the Battle of Chancellorsville, fought from May 1 to May 5, 1863, just months before their role at Gettysburg. While their actions at Chancellorsville are less renowned, the regiment still played an important supporting role in the campaign.

Chancellorsville:

The 151st Pennsylvania was part of the I Corps, commanded by General John F. Reynolds, and assigned to the 3rd Division, 1st Brigade, led by Brigadier General Thomas A. Rowley.

During the battle, the I Corps, including the 151st Pennsylvania, was stationed on the Union right flank near United States Ford along the Rappahannock River. The corps was held in reserve to safeguard critical river crossings and to provide reinforcements if needed.

While the main Union forces engaged in fierce combat against General Robert E. Lee's Confederate Army, the 151st Pennsylvania did not see significant action, as their primary mission was to secure the rear and protect Union lines of retreat.

Then they moved north chasing Lee into Pennsylvania.

Battle of Gettysburg:

• First Day (July 1, 1863): As part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division of the I Corps, the 151st Pennsylvania played a pivotal role in holding back advancing Confederate forces during the initial clash west of Gettysburg. Fighting alongside the renowned Iron Brigade near McPherson's Ridge, the regiment fiercely resisted the Confederate advance, buying precious time for Union forces.

Benjamin would be wounded here, having his left index finger shot off.

• Second Day (July 2, 1863): The regiment was repositioned to Cemetery Hill and Culp's Hill, where it provided vital support to Union defensive lines.
• Third Day (July 3, 1863): During Pickett's Charge, the 151st Pennsylvania was instrumental in helping repel the massive Confederate assault, though at a staggering cost.

The regiment suffered devastating casualties at Gettysburg, losing over two-thirds of its men. Among the wounded was its commander, Lieutenant Colonel George F. McFarland, who lost a leg. Despite these heavy losses, the regiment’s heroic stand earned high praise from General Abner Doubleday, who described their performance as "among the most heroic in the war."

After the expiration of its nine-month enlistment, the regiment was mustered out of service on July 27, 1863. 

Benjamin would return home to Shartlesville Pennsylvania and continue working as a Carpenter until his death in 1901

Soldier Story; Charles Henry Fasnacht: Medal of Honor Recipient

 Charles Henry Fasnacht, born Karl Heinrich Fasnacht on March 27, 1842, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, was an American soldier who distinguished himself during the Civil War. He enlisted in Company A of the 99th Pennsylvania Infantry and rose to the rank of sergeant.

Fasnacht participated in numerous significant battles, including the Battle of Fredericksburg, where he was wounded on December 13, 1862. However, his most notable act of bravery occurred on May 12, 1864, during the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House in Virginia.

The 99th Pennsylvania Infantry played a vital role in the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, fought from May 8 to May 21, 1864. As part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, II Corps of the Army of the Potomac, the regiment was engaged in several key actions during this intense and protracted campaign.

May 8, 1864: Engagement at Laurel Hill 

On May 8, the regiment participated in the assault on Laurel Hill. Despite facing formidable Confederate defenses, they pressed forward, suffering significant casualties, including the deaths of Captain Lewis Waters and Lieutenant Henry Zeisart.

May 10, 1864: Skirmish at the Po River 

Two days later, on May 10, the 99th Pennsylvania Infantry was involved in operations near the Po River. These maneuvers aimed to flank Confederate positions and exert pressure along multiple fronts.

May 12, 1864: Assault on the Salient (Bloody Angle)

The regiment's most heroic action came on May 12 during the assault on the Salient, commonly known as the Bloody Angle. In this fierce combat, the 99th Pennsylvania demonstrated extraordinary courage, capturing two Confederate battle flags, two artillery pieces, and numerous prisoners. However, their bravery came at a high cost. Lieutenant Colonel Edwin R. Biles, Captain Peter Fritz, and Captain Washington Worrall were wounded, and the regiment's strength was drastically reduced—only four officers and 60 enlisted men remained from the 325 who had started the campaign just a week earlier.

The actions of the 99th Pennsylvania Infantry at Spotsylvania exemplified their valor and determination, contributing significantly to the Union's relentless efforts during the Overland Campaign. The sacrifices they endured reflect the intense and brutal nature of the Civil War.

During the fighting at Spotsylvania, Charles Henry Fasnacht performed a remarkable act of heroism. In a hand-to-hand contest, he captured the flag of the 2nd Louisiana Tigers, a Confederate unit. Severely wounded during this confrontation, Fasnacht lay on the battlefield for several days before being captured by Confederate forces. While being transported to Richmond, Virginia, he was rescued by Union troops. Throughout his captivity, Fasnacht had hidden the captured flag under his shirt.

For his extraordinary bravery, Fasnacht was awarded the Medal of Honor on April 2, 1878. His citation reads: "Capture of flag of 2nd Louisiana Tigers (C.S.A.) in a hand-to-hand contest."

Fasnacht was promoted to first lieutenant on February 7, 1865, and continued to serve until he was honorably mustered out on July 1, 1865. He passed away on July 21, 1902, and is buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. His legacy remains a testament to the courage and sacrifice of those who fought in the Civil War.