Generation 9 & 10: The Civil War, Part 1

John Argotsinger born April 11, 1789 was the oldest child of Philip and Beta. John married Catherine Backer (b. Jan 21, 1796) September 13, 1812 in Gloversville, NY at the Kingsboro Presbyterian Church. They settled in Roseville, Pennsylvania with records showing that they owned a farm 1 mile southeast of the town near the Van Ness school-house, a Stewart Austin also resided on the farm. In 1829, John Argetsinger is listed as a taxable inhabitant of the township.

John Argetsinger's property outlined in blue
Source: U.S., Indexed County Land Ownership Maps, 1875

They had 12 children. I am directly related to the eldest, Philip born 1813. He was followed by Anna Marie, John, Margaret, Sarah Elizabeth, James, Peter, Louisa, Lydia, Moses and Eliza.

Philip grew and married Anne Esseltine on June 12 1836 in Elmira, NY. They had nine children: Catherine, Henry, Mary, Eliza, Joel, Amelia, James, Susan E., Margaret.

Around this time major turmoil is taking place in the United States in the form of the Civil War. Philip being the oldest of the family is naturally the first to enlist. Records show he mustered in as a private with Company A of the 161st Regt., NY volunteer infantry on January 5, 1864. According to the Bureau of War Records State of NY Division of Military and Naval Affairs, Phillip was a farmer, with blue eyes, brown hair, and a dark complexion standing 5' 4.5" high.

Philip Argetsinger, original military photo

Now not to be outdone by his older brother, Moses signs up a week later on January 12, 1864 to the same company as Philip. The Bureau of War Records states Moses had grey eyes, light hair, florid complexion standing 5'5" tall.

Moses Argetsinger, official military picture

Company A of the 161st NY Volunteer Infantry saw the following battles and casualties  I have highlighted the times that the boys served. 

Source: New York in the War of the Rebellion, 3rd ed. Frederick Phisterer. Albany: J. B. Lyon Company, 1912.

 The Argetsinger brother's died within 3 days of each other in Brashear City, LA from sickness. It is recorded that many men died from "chronic diarrhea", most likely Dysentery. Philip died at the Barracks Hospital in New Orleans on May 9th and he is buried in the Chalmette National Cemetery. Moses died 3 days later on May 12th and is also buried at Chalmette National Cemetery; however his grave is unmarked. 

Myself, my dad and brother visiting Philips grave in 2002

Source: Annual Report of the Adjutant-General of the
State of New York for the Year ... : Registers of the [units numbers].

Philip left behind his wife Ann and their nine children. Their oldest boy, Henry (who my story will continue through) also fought in the Civil War. His wife Ann was granted a widow's pension (WC 59046), which I have not been able to gain a copy of. 

Moses left behind his wife, Mary who was also granted a widow's pension (WC 71049).

Edited to add:
I finally got my hands on Philip Argetsinger's pension document

Philip Argetsinger Pension