The Stevens Letters
Background of Charles A Stevens
Charles A Stevens was born November 6 '1843 in Phillips, Maine the 3rd of 1O children. His family had a long history of Military service since his ancestors have been in America since the 1600's. His mother's father served in the war of 1812. His Great Grandfather Ephraim Stevens served in the Revolutionary war and was present at the Battle of Bunker Hill as well as other engagements, eventually rising to the rank of Lieutenant. Several other of his relatives also served in the Revolutionary war.
Charles's father Alonzo and Uncle Lorenzo moved to Wisconsin with their families in the early 1850's.
When the Civil war broke out, Charles, his two brothers Joshua and Adlebert and is 1st cousin Gustavus all signed up for the Army. Joshua, Adelbert and Gustavus all signed up for the 12th Wisconsin Infantry, Co K. Joshua got sick in mid 1862 and was discharged, he later joined the 30th Wisconsin Infantry, Co A. Charles' cousin Gustavus died of disease in 1864. Charles himself joined the 11th Wisconsin Infantry, Co D and served more than a year until late 1862 when he was discharged due to ill health. He later regained his health and Joined the 42nd Wisconsin Infantry in 1864 and served until the end of the war. Charles brother, Edward, in 1863 joined the 1st Wisconsin Heavy Artillery and served out the war.
After the war Charles, married and raised a family in Richland Co, Wisconsin, later moving to Iowa. He had several children and died February 3rd, 1922 in Sioux Co. Iowa.
(I want to thank Craig Albrechtson for giving permission to display the following letters. The letters were all written to Edward Stevens, Craig's Great, Great, Grandfather. Charles was Edwards older brother. Edward, in 1863, signed up for the 1st Wisconsin Heavy Artillery, Co C and spent the remainder of the war in Tennessee, until discharged. After the war, Edward lived in Richland Center, Wisconsin until his death in 1926. His daughter, Blanche, Craig's Great Grandmother, saved the letters in a drawer.)
(Ed. Dave Mascitelli)