Charles F. Freeman, First West Virginia Infantry, Civil War

CHARLES ARMSTRONG FREEMAN

FREEMAN

Image courtesy of Michael Phillips.

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INSIDE COVER

This circular purchased on eBay by Linda Fluharty, May 2003.
Transcription of Memorial follows:

CHARLES A. FREEMAN.

Born, September 24th, 1836, Hancock County, W. Va.
Died, December 1st, 1902, Steubenville, Ohio.

First Lieutenant Charles A. Freeman, entered the three months' service as 1st Sergeant, Co. I, First Virginia Volunteer Infantry, May 17th, 1861, and served with that organization until the expiration of his enlistment, being mustered out August 28th, of the same year. During this period he, with his regiment, was engaged with the enemy at the battle of Phillippi, June 3rd, 1861, and in scouting during General McClellan's campaign in West Virginia.

In the early fall of 1861, the First Virginia Regiment (afterward known as the 1st West Va Vol. Infantry) was re-organized under Col. Jos. Thoburn, at Wheeling, and Lieutenant Freeman again entered the service as 1st Lieutenant Co. F, October 29th, retaining connection with that organization until it was mustered out of service in November, 1864.

While on picket duty near Romney, Va., in December, 1861, he was captured and taken to Libby prison where he was kept a prisoner for four months, when he was paroled and sent to Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, where he remained on duty until he was exchanged five months later and ordered to join his regiment at North Mountain, Virginia.

Early in the spring of 1863, Lieutenant Freeman was assigned to duty on the staff of Brigadier General B. F. Kelley, then in command at Harper's Ferry, Va., and was one of his trusted staff officers, during his command of the Department of West Virginia, occupying the position of Acting Assistant Adjutant General.

Subsequently a change in Department commanders occurring, he continued with General Kelley as A. D. C., and for a time as A. A. G., of the First Separate Brigade of the Department.

He was always willing and ready for any kind of service, proving himself efficient and trustworthy in every position that he filled.

As Company or Staff officer he was fully up to all the requirements and was universally liked by officers and enlisted men.

At a sharp engagement at Foulks Mills, Maryland, in August, 1864, when General Kelly drove back McCausland's forces which were moving on Cumberland, Lieut. Freeman was present as principal staff officer and was conspicuous for his bravery. General Kelley, in his report to the War Department, commended him in the highest terms for efficiency, faithfulness and gallantry on the field of battle. No braver, truer, more honorable soldier ever donned a uniform or drew a sword in defence of his country than Lieut. Charles A. Freeman.

After the close of the war, Lieut. Freeman returned to his home at New Cumberland, West Virginia, where he engaged in the manufacture of fire brick. In 1872 he married Miss Emma Smythe, of Pittsburg, and in 1885 removed to Steubenville, Ohio, which remained his home until his death.

A devoted wife and two children, Miss Tilda and Alfred S., mourn his loss. They were untiring in their devotion during his long illness. He had been for years, a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church and his pew was seldom empty. He was a business man of the strictest integrity, and all with whom he was associated, honored and respected him in all the walks of life.

In his death the Loyal Legion lost a valuable companion, his wife and family, a devoted husband and father, and society a Christian gentleman.

     J. M. BURNS,
     R. G. RICHARDS,
     ENOCH PEARCE,
          Committee.