Louis Sieler Age: 45 Allegiance: Union Highest Rank: Private Unit: Company E, 140th New York Volunteer Infantry Occupation: Laborer Buried: Andersonville, Georgia. Grave No. 4960

Louis Sieler enrolled August 23, 1862 and was mustered into Captain Monroe Hollister's Company E of the 140th New York on September 7, 1862. Sieler gave his occupation as Laborer and was described as being 5' 6" tall, fair complextion with brown eyes and hair.

He had been born in Germany where on January 30, 1848 he married Albertina Knapp. The Sieler's had three children Emma, Louis and Catharine. The youngest, Catharine, called Katie by the family, was borne on Jan. 19 1858. When Louis marched off to war he left a wife and three young children behind in Gates, New York.

Louis Sieler served with the 140th New York through the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. He was captured on May 5th 1864 during the battle of the Wilderness. Most likely he was wounded and left behind when the 140th was forced back across Saunder's Field. The Surgeon's Report following the battle lists Louis as being "wounded and missing." Anthony Able of Company F states that Louis was "severly wounded in the bowels."

Confined in the hospital at Andersonville, Sieler died on August 7, 1864 of Chronic Diarrhea.

Aberdina, his widow, was paid a pension of eight dollars a month. Later, in 1866, this was increased to twelve dollars. Two dollars each for the children Louis and Katie who were both below the age of 16.

For additional information on the Wilderness see:

• Selected Reports from the OR