Cook Co., IL Biography - Charles Strickert

CHARLES STRICKERT

Source: Album of Genealogy and Biography, Cook County, Illinois with Portraits 3rd. ed. revised and extended (Chicago: Calumet Book & Engraving Co., 1895), pp. 436-437.

CHARLES STRICKERT, one of the honored veterans of the War of the Rebellion, for three years wore the blue and valiantly aided in the defense of the Union. He is not an American by birth, but her native sons showed no more loyalty than was displayed by him who was reared on foreign soil. He was born in Felmelten, Courensen, Prussia, on the 1st of March, 1838, and is a son of George W. and Elizabeth (Waterman) Strickert. The father was a farmer and died before the birth of Charles. The mother afterwards became the wife of George Mealhousen.

Charles Strickert attended school until fourteen years of age, in accordance with the laws of his native land, and in 1856 he came with the family to America, locating on a farm in Bremen Township, Cook County, where his mother died May 27, 1862. Mr. Mealhousen passed away in 1889. When Charles was twenty-two years of age he began life for himself as a teamster in Blue Island, and for many years was thus employed. On the 12th of August, 1862, he laid aside business cares and joined Company B, Eighty-second Illinois Infantry, in which he served with credit until the close of the war. On the 6th of July, 1865, he was honorably discharged in Chicago. He took part in the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg', and at the latter was captured and taken to Richmond, Va., where he remained a prisoner until paroled and exchanged. He then rejoined his regiment, which was assigned to Gen. Sherman's command at Chattanooga, Tenn., and took part in the Atlanta campaign and the celebrated march to the sea. He was also in the Carolina campaign, and after leaving Goldsboro, N. C., while on a foraging expedition, he was captured, March 25, 1865, and taken to Andersonville. All of his money, his watch and clothing, except his shirt and pantaloons, were taken from him. On the 2d of April the rebels, who were then evacuating Richmond, took him and his comrades up the James River and liberated them. They soon reached the Union lines, where they obtained food and clothing, of which they were much in need. Mr. Strickert served under Gens. Sherman, Siegel, Hecker and Hooker, and was in many important battles.

After the war was over, he returned to Blue Island, which has since been his home. For a few years past he has lived retired, enjoying a well-earned rest. On the 23d of December, 1866, he was united in marriage with Katie Schardt, daughter of Henry and Hermina (Schmidt) Schardt and a native of Brooklyn, N. Y. Her parents were natives of Germany, and with them she came to Cook County in 1863. Her father died in Worth Township, February 15, 1864, and her mother, who long survived him, was called to the home beyond in November, 1891. To Mr. and Mrs. Strickert have been born eight children: Charles, Theresa and Clara, all now deceased; Amelia, wife of C. Brummer, of Blue Island; Katie; George William; Lillian and Martha.

Mr. Strickert has filled numerous positions of public trust, and served as Inspector of Pavements, was Brick Inspector, etc., and is now Village Collector. He belongs to the Blue Island Volunteer Fire Company No. 2, and is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. His family attends the Lutheran Church. In politics, he has been a Republican since casting his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. The best interests of the community find in him a friend, and all who know him esteem him highly for his sterling worth.

 

– Submitted by Sherri Hessick on May 27, 2007.

 

DISCLAIMER:  The submitter is not related to the subject of this biography nor is she related to anyone mentioned in the biography.