Peter DeCramer 1833-1911

Peter DeCramer was an ancestor from Belgium on Dick's maternal side. Early in our family research Dick happened to Google his name and learned there was information about Peter at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

We had to satisfy our curiosity and went to Milwaukee to visit the Golda Meir Library. What a discovery! 

First, some background. Peter DeCramer immigrated from Belgium in 1855 and settled in Winnebago County, Wisconsin. Peter enlisted as a private in Company D, 1st Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry on 17 Sep 1861 and was discharged on 14 Oct 1864. He re-enlisted as a private in Company C, 46th Regiment on 10 Feb 1865 and was discharged 27 Sep 1865. There was a notation in the record that he was entitled to $100 bounty. The record also stated that he had grey eyes, brown hair, light complexion and was 5 ' 3½" tall. He was a carpenter from the 5th Ward of Oshkosh. 

Peter DeCramer

Peter DeCramer kept a diary during the entire time of his Civil War service. Another of Peter's descendants donated the diary to the university. It was written in French; we would never have been able to read it except that a university student had translated the diary as part of a project for his French class. We were able to obtain a copy of the English translation. Dick also photocopied the original first page in order to have a representation of his handwriting.

We found a Civil War history that we used to follow Peter's account of his Civil War service. Many parts of his story told about mundane daily events such as marching in the rain, but these details were also part of the history. It was most interesting to read his report of Lincoln's assassination. 

Google your ancestors' names!


*52 Ancestors: "Dear Diary"

Shiloh National Military Park

Pension records for John Henry Smith indicated that he participated in the Battle of Shiloh (also known as Pittsburg Landing) during his Civil War service.  

From the History of Waupaca County: "After the breaking out of the Civil War, Mr. Smith, prompted by a spirit of patriotism, enlisted December 1, 1861 in Company F, Eighteenth Wis., V.I., commanded by Capt. Roberts.  At Milwaukee he joined his regiment which soon afterward went to the front and took part in its first battle at Pittsburg Landing.  He also participated in the battle of Corinth and several skirmishes, after which he was taken ill with fever, and being unfitted for further service was honorably discharged in December, 1862." 

Marker for the 18th Wisconsin Infantry

Wisconsin State Monument at Shiloh

In 2008 we were able to visit Shiloh and Corinth in Tennessee. Shiloh is located just north of the Tennessee/Mississippi border. We used information at the visitor center to find where the Wisconsin 18th took part in the battle.


*52 Ancestors: "Military"