He was born in 1840/41, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, perhaps to Israel Koshland and Rosa [unknown family name]. (Israel had apparently died by 1860; Rosa died on 25 September 1893, and was buried in Adath Jeshurun Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.) [sources: date: 4 (20 in 1861), 8 (19 in 1860), 14 (22 in 1863), 15 (28 in 1870), 16 (28 in 1870), 17 (40 in 1880), 18 (41 in 1882), 19 (42 in 1886), 20 (43 in 1888), 21 (49 in 1890), 22 (51 in 1892), 28-29 (20 in 1861). place: 4, 8, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22. parents: 23]
From 1851 through 1856, he was probably living with his mother Rosa, who had a shop at 214 North 8th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. [source: 24]
In 1857, his mother was living at rear 11 Union Alley, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. [source: 24]
From 1858 to 1859, his mother was a confectioner, at 328 North 8th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. [source: 24]
In 1860, he was living at 328 North 8th street, in ward 13, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was living with Rosa (presumably his mother), and Emma (presumably his sister). He had no occupation listed. [source: 8, 24]
When he enlisted, he was a grocer. [source: 4]
When he enlisted, he was 5 feet 5-1/2 inches tall, and had a light complexion, gray eyes, and light hair. [source: 4]
In 1892, he was 5 feet 5-1/2 inches tall, and had a light complexion, gray eyes, and brown hair. He had no visible marks or scars. [source: 22]
He enlisted and was mustered into service on 20 August 1861. He was enlisted for three years, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Captain Starr. He was a private in company A. [sources: 1, 4, 5, 25, 26, 27, 28-29]
On 9 January 1863, between 10 and 11 PM, he stole one-half of a ham, three pounds of sausage, two pounds of bologna, and one roast chicken, from the camp of company D of the 129th Pennsylvania Infantry. [source: 9]
On 9 January 1863, Captain John Downy, the Division Provost Marshall, sent him to the Colonel of the 129th Pennsylvania, to be kept in their Regimental Guard House. Colonel Frick refused to accept him. Downy sent him back, ordering the corporal who was guarding Koshland to tell Frick that he was sent by General Humphrys' order "and that he should leave the prisoner there". Colonel Frick again refused to accept him, and the corporal released Koshland. The very meagre trial record does not indicate whether Downy intended the corporal to set Koshland free, or merely to leave Koshland in Frick's custody. In any event, the Court found Downy guilty, and sentenced him (by a two-thirds majority) to be dismissed. General Humphrys accepted the verdict, but rejected the sentence as unduly severe, recommending mitigation. [source: 10]
Koshland was court-martialed for stealing the food, pleaded guilty, and sentenced to lose two-thirds of his pay and to hard labor for the rest of his enlistment. However, this trial was void, because fewer members of the court attended than the minimum legally required. He was re-tried on 15 January 1863, again pleaded guilty, and received the same sentence. [sources: 7, 9, 11, 12]
On 23 June 1863, he was missing in action. He was a private, in company A. He was dropped from the rolls on 9 July 1863. On the next consolidated morning report, dated 28 July 1863, he was reported as having been dropped because he was missing in the campaign. [sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 25, 26, 27, 28-29 (not accounted for)]
In 1863, he was living on 8th Street, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was a laborer. He was registered for the draft, and noted his former service in the 91st Pennsylvania. [source: 14]
He also served in company D of the 13th United States Infantry, and in company I of the 7th Connecticut Infantry. [sources: 5, 6, 7, 26]
On 2 or 31 September 1865 he applied successfully for a pension. [sources: 5, 6]
On 16 August 1870, he registered to vote, in San Francisco County, California. He was an agent, and was living at 410 Pacific Street, in ward 1. [sources: 15, 16]
On 1 September 1880, he registered to vote, in the 4th precinct of the 4th ward of San Francisco County, California. He was a waiter, and was living at 922 Washington Street, floor 2, room B, in ward 28. [source: 17]
On 13 October 1882, he registered to vote, in the 4th precinct of the 4th ward of San Francisco County, California. He was a waiter, and was living at 922 Washington Street, floor 2, room B, in ward 28. [source: 18]
On 13 September 1886, he registered to vote, in the 3rd precinct of the 41st assembly district of San Francisco County, California. He was a letter carrier, and was living at 2009 Polk Street, floor 2, room B. [source: 19]
On 9 September 1888, he registered to vote, in Alameda County, California. He was a waiter, and was living in the first ward. [source: 20]
On 26 August 1890, he registered to vote, in the 8th precinct of the 31st assembly district of San Francisco County, California. He was a waiter, and was living at 636 Commercial Street. [source: 21]
On 12 September 1892, he registered to vote, in Napa County, California. He was a waiter, and was living at the Veterans' Home. {source: 22]
On 12 February 1897, he died. He was buried at a Veterans' Home Cemetery in California. [source: 13]
The government provided a tombstone for his grave under a contract dated 28 June 1897. [source: 13]
1 Bates, Samuel Penniman. History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5. Harrisburg: B. Singerly, state printer, 1869-71. 5 volumes. 'Ninety-first regiment', volume 3, pages 186-233. (In the roster) (Nich's N Koshland)
2 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 28 July 1863 (Priv Koshland [?])
3 company A register of discharges (Nathon Koshland)
4 company A descriptive roll, entry 35 (Nicholas N Koshland)
5 pension index, by regiment (Nathan Koshland)
6 pension index by name (Nathan Koshland)
7 William C Davis. A taste for war: the culinary history of the blue and the gray. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2003. Page 77. (Nathan Kotchland)
8 1860 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 13, microfilm series M653, film 1163, page 892 = 78 handwritten (Nathan Koshland)
9 court martial, Nathan Kotchland, National Archives, Record Group 153 (Judge Advocate General, Army), file KK 691 (Nathan Kotchland [sic])
10 court martial, John Downy, 133rd PA, 14-15 January 1863, National Archives, Record Group 153 (Judge Advocate General, Army), file KK664 (Nathan Koshland)
11 court martial, Nathan Kotchland, 15 January 1863, National Archives, Record Group 153 (Judge Advocate General, Army), file KK664 (Nathan Kotchland [sic])
12 National Archives Archival Research Catalog (accessed 24 July 2010) (Nathan Kotchland)
13 Records of headstones of deceased Union veterans, 1879-1903 (Nathan Koshland)
14 Civil War Draft Registration Records, Pennsylvania, 3rd Congressional District, volume 1 of 1, class 1, A-K, from National Archives and Records Administration, Record Group 110 (Nathan Koshland)
15 Great Register, San Francisco County, 1871 supplement (Nathan Koshland)
16 Great Register, San Francisco County, page 232 (Nathan Koshland)
17 Register, 4th precinct, 4th ward, San Francisco County, 1880 (Nathan Koshland)
18 Register, 4th precinct, 4th ward, San Francisco County, 1882 (Nathan Koshland)
19 Register, 3rd Precinct, 41st Assembly District, San Francisco County, 1886 (Nathan Koshland)
20 Great Register, Alameda County, page 126 (Nathan Koshland)
21 Register, 8th Precinct, 31st Assembly District, San Francisco County, 1890 (Nathan Koshland)
22 Great register of Napa County, page 29 (Nathan Koshland)
23 death notice, Philadelphia Inquirer 28 September 1893 (Rose Koshland)
24 Philadelphia city directories, 1851-1868
25 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (Nathan N Koshland)
26 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (Nicholas N Koshland)
27 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (Nathan N Koshlind)
28 Bates, Samuel Penniman. History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5. Harrisburg: B. Singerly, state printer, 1869-71. 5 volumes. 'Ninety-first regiment', volume 3, pages 186-233. (In the roster) (Nich's N Rockland)
29 Civil War Veterans' Card File, available at the Pennsylvania State Archives, searched 18 August 2004 (Nich's N Rockland)
The 1872 Great Register of San Francisco County, California (along with others I didn't transcribe), makes clear that in addition to the Nathan Koshland who served in the 91st, another Nathan Koshland, who was 35, born in Bavaria, and a merchant, was also living in California. See AllOct11, a gedcom available on RootsWeb WorldConnect, contact Arnold Chamove, date 15 Oct 2011 (Nathan, b. 1835, Baden, Bavaria, Germany, married Fannie Rosa Marks, children Isadore, Julius, Cora, Florence).
Nicholas Rockland (see sources 28-29) is not in the company descriptive book, or the index to the compiled service records (accessed on Fold3, 19 Apr 15), and matches Rockland in age at enlistment, and enlistment date and place. I believe that a transcriber misread 'Koshland' as 'Rockland' (as I did once).
9.--Private Nathan Kotchland [sic], Co. "A", 91st Reg. P.V. on the following charge and specification:--
Charge - "Stealing"
Specification - In this, that the said Private Nathan Kotchland, Co "A" 91st Reg. Penna. Vols. did steal certain eatables, viz.: - one half of a ham, three pounds of sausage, two pounds of Bologna & one roast chicken, the private property of Sergeant Charles P. Arnold & Privates Charles Conell, Charles J. Able & Samuel D. Crawford, all of Co. "D" 129th Pa. Vols. All this at the quarters of Co. "D" camp of the 129th Pa. Vols. near Falmouth Va, on the night of the eighth day of January A.D. 1863 between the hours of 10 & 11 P.M.
To which charge and specification the accused pleaded: "Guilty."
None of the witnesses being examined, the Court after deliberation did sentence him, the said Private Nathan Kotchland, Co. "A" 91st Reg. Pa. Vols., "To the forfeiture of two thirds of his pay, and to hard labor for the balance of his term of enlistment."
After recess the Court proceeded to business.--All members present.
The Court then proceeded to the trial of Capt. John Downy 133d Reg. Provost Marshall of the 3d Division, 5th Corps. He was brought before the Court and having heard the order appointing the Court read, was asked whether he had any objection to any member named in the order. Having no objection to any member, the Court was then in his presence duly sworn by the Judge Advocate and the Judge Advocate was duly sworn by the President of the Court.
The accused was arraigned and tried on the following charge + specification.
Charge. - Violation of the 81st Article of War.
[page 30]Specification - In this, that he, the said Capt. John Downey 133d Regiment Penna Vols., Provost Martial 3d Division 5th Army Corps, did cause to be released or suffer to escape, private Nathan Koshland Co. "A" 91st Regiment Penna. Vols. a prisoner committed to his charge, without proper authority for so doing. This at camp near Potomac Creek, Virginia, on or about the 9th day of January, 1863.
(Signed) Carrll McClellanTo which charge and specification the accused pleaded as follows.
To the Specification - "Not Guilty."The following evidence was received on behalf of the procecution.
Lt. Benj. J. Tayman A.A.A. Gen, 1st Brig., 3d Division, sworn.I know nothing [page 31] of the case of my own personal knowledge.
The prisoner was sent to Capt. Downy sometime in the fornoon [sic], was detailed until evening and was reported to Capt. McClellan, after which Capt. Downy came back and wrote a note to Col. Frick 129th P.V. and sent the prisoner with the charge + specification by Corp. Cross, to Col. Frick, 129th P.V. The Corp returned in a few minutes with the prisoner and stated to Capt. Downy that Col. Frick 129th P.V. had refused to receive the prisoner and he said that if Capt Downy did not keep him, he would perfer [sic] charges against him, Capt. Downy. Capt. Downy directed the Corp to take the prisoner back to Col. Frick 129th P.V. and to tell him that the prisoner was sent to him to be confined by Gen. Humphrys' order and that he should leave the prisoner there. The Corp. came back + reported that Col. Frick would not receive the prisoner but that he left him the prisoner there according to instruction. The note contained the following: The prisoner is returned to you to be confined in the regimental Guard House [page 32] and I send the charges and specifications by the same order. I think that the note stated that the charges + specification should be sent to the Gen. Comdg. Division.
I know that the prisoner Koshland was released + came into our charge again. I do not know by whose authority he was released.
I took the prisoner Koshland back to Col. Frick, 129th P.V., and handed him a message from Capt. Downy. I took the prisoner to Col. Frick the second time and told the Col. that he was to take charge of the prisoner by order of Gen. Humphrys and that, if he, the Col., did not take him, I sould [sic] let him co: then Col. Frick replied "Let him go["]; and I let him go.
His evidence was the same in substance as the Corp's and merely goes to corroborate the former evidence.
I directed Capt. Downy to return the prisoner to Col. Frick, 129th P.V. with the request that he would place him in the regimental [page 33] Guard House and that he would afterward forward the Charge + Specification to me as Adjt Genl. of Division. I am not in the habit of giving verbal orders through a third person.
The Court then adjourned till 9 oclock A.M. next day, the 15th.
The Court met at 9 oclock A.M. on the 15th Jan 1863.--all members being present. The Court after mature deliberation on the evidence adduced found the accused as follows:
Of the Specification - "Guilty."The Court did sentence the said Capt. John Downy 133d Reg., Provost Marshall of 3d Division 5th Army Corps, to be dismissed the Service of the United States.
Two thirds of the members concurring in the sentence.
F. T. Wilson
Hd. Qrs. 3d. Div. 5th Corps.
Feby 17, 1863
The Proceedings and findings are approved, but the sentence is disapproved as being unduly severe, and mitigation of sentence is respectfully recommended.
A. A. HumphrysThe Court then proceeded to the trial of Private Nathan Kotchland [sic] Co. "A" 91st Reg P.V. He was brought before the Court and having heard the order appointing the Court read he was asked whether he had any objection to any member of the Court. Having no objection to any member, all the members of the Court were then in his presence duly sworn by the Judge Advocate and the Judge Advocate was duly swown by the President of the Court.
The accused was arraigned on the following Charge + Specification.
Charge - Stealing
Specification - In this that the said Private Nathan Kotchland Co "A" 91st Reg. Penna. Vols. did steal certain eatables, viz., One half of a ham, Three pounds of Sausage, Two Pounds of Bologna + one roast Chicken, the private property of Sergeant Charles P. Arnold + Privates Charles Conell, Charles J. Able, + Samuel D. Crawford, all of Co. D. 129th Pa. Vols. All this at the Quarters of Co. D, Camp of the 129th Pa. Vols. near Falmouth, Va. on the night of the Eighth Day of January, A.D. 1863 between the hours of 10 + 11 P.M.
(Signed) J. G. FrickTo which charge + specification the accused [pleaded] as follows:
To the Specification - "Guilty"None of the Witnesses being examined the Court was cleared for deliberation.
The Court then sentenced him the said Private Nathan Kotchland, Co. "A" 91st Reg Pa. Vols. To the forfeiture of two thirds of his pay, and to hard labor for the balance of his term of enlistment.
F. T. Wilson
Head Quarters 3rd Div., 5th Corps
February 17th 1863
The proceedings, findings and sentence are approved and will be carried into effect by the commander of the regiment.
A A Humphrys| line | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Dwelling number | 515 | ||
| Family number | 586 | ||
| Name | Rosa Koshland | Nathan " | Emma W " |
| Age | 45 [sic] | 19 | 17 |
| Sex | f | m | m |
| Color | |||
| Occupation | Candy Store | Ladies Shoe Maker | |
| Value of real estate owned | |||
| Value of personal estate | 300 | ||
| Place of birth | Switzerland | Pa | " |
| Married within year | |||
| Attended school within year | |||
| Cannot read & write | |||
| Deaf, dumb, blind, etc. |
| [page] | 373 | |
| RESIDENCE. | [illegible] 8th St. | |
| NAME. | 15 Koshland Nathan | |
| DESCRIPTION. | AGE 1st July, 1863. | 22 |
| WHITE OR COLORED. | " [sc. White] | |
| PROFESSION, OCCUPATION, OR TRADE. | Laborer | |
| MARRIED OR UNMARRIED | Single | |
| PLACE OF BIRTH. | Penna | |
| FORMER MILITARY SERVICE. | 91st Reg Penna V | |
| REMARKS. | [blank] | |
| No. | 36967 | |
| NAME. | Koshland, Nathan | |
| AGE. | 28 | |
| Country of Nativity. | Pennsylvania | |
| Occupation. | Agent | |
| Local Residence. | 410 Pacific | |
| Ward. | 1 | |
| NATURALIZED | [blank] | |
| Date of Registration. | Aug. 16, 1870 | |
| [illegible] | " [sc. illegible] |
| Voting No. | 21269 | 21270 |
| Notes. | [blank] | [blank] |
| Regis'd No. | 15816 | 39697 |
| Voted or not voted. | [blank] | [blank] |
| NAME. | Koshland, Nathan | Koshland, Nathan |
| AGE. | 35 | 28 |
| NATIVITY. | Bavaria | Penn |
| OCCUPATION. | Merchant | Agent |
| LOCAL RESIDENCE. | Ellis, b. Leav'n & Hyde | 410 Pacific |
| Ward. | 8 | 1 |
| NATURALIZED Date, Place and Court. | Aug. 13, 1855, Sacramento, 6th Dist. | [blank] |
| Date of Registration. | Jun 4, [illegible] | Aug. 16, [illegible] |
| Voting No | 134 |
| Reg'd No. | 53 |
| Voted or not voted. | [blank] |
| NAME. | Koshland, Nathan |
| AGE. | 40 |
| NATIVITY. | Penn |
| OCCUPATION. | Waiter |
| LOCAL RESIDENCE. | 922 Washington |
| FLOOR. | 2 |
| ROOM. | B |
| Ward. | 28 |
| NATURALIZED | [blank] |
| DATE OF REGISTRATION. | Sept. 1, 1880 |
| Voting No. | 139 |
| Reg'd No. | 121 |
| Voted or not voted. | [blank] |
| NAME. | Koshland, Nathan |
| AGE. | 41 |
| NATIVITY. | Penn |
| OCCUPATION. | Waiter |
| LOCAL RESIDENCE. | 922 Washington |
| FLOOR. | 2 |
| ROOM. | R |
| NATURALIZED | [blank] |
| Date of Registration. | Oct. 13, 1882 |
| Voting No. | 150 |
| Reg'd No. | 117 |
| VOTED. | |
| NAME. | Koshland, Nathan |
| AGE. | 42 |
| NATIVITY. | Penn |
| OCCUPATION. | Letter Carr'r |
| LOCAL RESIDENCE. | 2009 Polk |
| FLOOR. | 2 |
| ROOM. | B |
| NATURALIZED. | [blank] |
| Date of Registration. | Sept. 13, 1886 |
| Voting No. | 9400 |
| Regis'd No. | 22206 |
| Voted or not Voted. | [blank] |
| NAME. | Koshland, Nathan |
| AGE. | 43 |
| Country of NATIVITY. | Pennsylvania |
| OCCUPATION. | Waiter |
| LOCAL RESIDENCE. | First Ward 4 |
| NATURALIZED. | [blank] |
| Date of REGISTRATION | Sept. 9, 1888 |
| Voting No. | 88 |
| Reg'd No. | 18 |
| Voted or not voted. | [blank] |
| NAME. | Koshland, Nathan |
| AGE. | 49 |
| NATIVITY. | Penn |
| OCCUPATION. | Waiter |
| LOCAL RESIDENCE. | 636 Commercial |
| FLOOR. | 2 |
| ROOM. | 77 |
| NATURALIZED. | [blank] |
| DATE OF REGISTRATION. | Aug. 26, 1890. |
| Voting No. | 2202 |
| Voted or not voted. | [blank] |
| NAME. | Koshland, Nathan |
| AGE. | 51 |
| HEIGHT. | 5 feet 5 1/2 inches |
| COMPLEXION. | do [sc. Light] |
| COLOR OF EYES. | Gray |
| COLOR OF HAIR. | do [sc. Brown] |
| VISIBLE MARKS OR SCARS, IF ANY, AND THEIR LOCALITY. | [blank] |
| OCCUPATION. | Waiter |
| NATIVITY. | Pennsylvania |
| PLACE OF RESIDENCE. | Veterans' Home |
| PRECINCT. | Veterans' Home |
| POST OFFICE ADDRESS. | Veterans' Home |
| NATURALIZED. | [blank] |
| Date of Registration. | " 12, " [sc. Sept 12, 1892] |
KOSHLAND.--On the 25th inst., Rosa, widow of the late Israel Koshland, in her 80th year.
The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, on Thursday, at 2.30 o'clock precisely from the residence of her son, Mr. Emanuel A. Koshland, 2012 North Eleventh street. Interment at Adath Jeshurun.