91st PA: Charles T Loper

Charles T Loper

Before the war

He was born in 1843/44, in Patterson, New Jersey, perhaps to Seth Loper and Lydia Bowen. [sources: date: 5 (18 in 1862), 10 (18 in 1863), 11 (7 in 1850), 12 (16 in 1860). place: 5, 10, 11, 12, 13. parents: 11, 12, 13]

In 1850, perhaps he is the Charles Loper who was living in Upper Pittsgrove Township, Salem County, New Jersey. If so, he was living with Seth and Lydia Loper (presumably his parents), and with James, Elwood, Angeline, and Marten (presumably his siblings). He had attended school within the year. [source: 11]

In 1860, perhaps he is the Charles P Loper living in Upper Pittsgrove Township, Salem County, New Jersey. If so, he was living with Seth and Lydia Loper (presumably his parents), and with James, Angeline, Martin, Mary Jane, and William (presumably his siblings). [source: 12]

When he enlisted, he was a farmer. [sources: 5, 10]

Description

When he enlisted, he was 5 feet 9 inches tall, and had a fair complexion, grey eyes, and brown hair. [sources: 5, 10]

During the war

He enlisted and was mustered into service on 21 July 1862. He was enlisted for three years, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Lieutenant Gregory. He was a private in company G. [sources: 1, 5, 7, 9, 10]

On 13 December 1862, he was wounded at the Battle of Fredricksburg. A piece of shell wounded his left shoulder. [source: 10]

On 6 January 1863, he and about five hundred other sick and wounded soldiers arrived in Philadelphia. Most had been wounded at the Battle of Fredericksburg. They were taken to the Chestnut Hill Hospital. [source: 8]

On 27 March 1863, he returned to the regiment from being absent sick. [source: 2]

In April 1863, he became ill while on picket at Banks Ford. [source: 10]

He was discharged at the corps hospital, at Camp near Stoneman's Switch, Virginia, on 1 June 1863 on surgeon's certificate of disability. He had been unfit for duty 40 days of the last two months. The regiment reported his discharge on 2 June. He was probably reported "absent sick" on 1 June. He was a private, in company G. [sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10]

On 13 September 1864, he enlisted, at Trenton, New Jersey, in company H of the 2nd regiment of New Jersey Cavalry. [source: 10]

On the November-December 1864 muster roll, he was reported hurt, and left in camp near Memphis, Tennessee. [source: 10]

On the January-February 1865 muster roll, he was reported absent, serving as a guard at the quartermaster depot, at Natchez, Mississippi. [source: 10]

The March-April 1865 muster roll reports him present. [source: 10]

He was discharged at the Camp near Stoneman's Switch, Virginia. [source: 10]

About 1 June 1865, he developed chronic diarrhea, at Columbus, Mississippi. [source: 10]

On 29 June 1865, he was discharged, at Vicksburg, Mississippi, in accordance with General Order number 83, Adjutant General's Office, War Department, 29 June 1865. [source: 10]

After the war

On 20 June 1863, Dr Quinton Gibbon received $1.50 for examining him, as part of his pension application. [source: 10]

On 26 June 1863, he applied successfully from New Jersey for a pension. He was living in Pittsgrove, Salem County, New Jersey. His first attorney was Thomas V T Rusling. This application refers only to his service in the 91st--but mentions his discharge at Camp near Stoneman's Switch, Virginia, and claims that Sinex (of the 91st) was commanding! [sources: 6, 7]

On 20 February 1866, he again applied from New Jersey for a pension. His attorney now was Isaac Hackett. This application refers only to his service in the 2nd New Jersey. [source: 10]

Sources

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) (Charles T Loper)

2 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 27 March 1863 (Chas. T. Loper)

3 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 2 June 1863 (Chas. T. Loper)

4 company G, register of men discharged, #33 (Charles T Loper)

5 company G, descriptive roll, #89 (Charles T Loper)

6 pension index, by name (Charles T Loper)

7 pension index, by regiment, 91st PA Infantry, company G (Charles T Loper)

8 'Arrival of sick and wounded soldiers' (Philadelphia Inquirer 7 January 1863 page 6) (C T Loper)

9 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (Charles T Loper)

10 pension documents packet, selected from pension certificate file, soldier's certificate 30393 (Charles T Loper)

11 1850 US census, New Jersey, Salem County, Upper Pittsgrove Township, microfilm series M432, film 462, page 210 recto = 419 handwritten (FamilySearch) (Charles Loper)

12 1860 US census, New Jersey, Salem County, Upper Pittsgrove Township, microfilm series M653, film 707, page 38 handwritten (FamilySearch) (Charles P Loper)

13 'Charles P Loper', in Liana Mae Greenberg, an Ancestry family tree, owner greenbek, accessed 17 January 2015 (Charles P Loper)

Note on another candidate

There is a Charles M Loper living in ward 2, Patterson, Passaic County, New Jersey, in 1870 (FamilySearch). He is living with Charles E (59, b. NJ), and Margaret (55, b. NJ) Loper (presumably his parents), and with Emma Loper (21, born NY). However, he was born in New York (not New Jersey), and he and his father had a "Provision Store"--neither of which completely rule him out, but which don't fit well with his birthplace and occupation in the company descriptive book (entry 5 above). Further, he was still living in New York in 1865. So I'm inclined to think he is not a very plausible candidate for being the Charles Loper who served in the 91st. Here's the other information I've seen about him:

Find a grave, memorial 112096028, created by Friends of Cedar Lawn Cemetery, added 10 June 2013, accessed 17 January 2015
died 10 February 1880, buried Cedar Lawn Cemetery, Paterson, Passaic County, New Jersey
parents Charles E and Margaret Loper; siblings Laura Loper Burdick; Emma M Loper Doremus
born 1844, New York
1850 US census, New York, Kings County, Brooklyn, ward 11, page 244 verso = 486 handwritten = 462 handwritten (FamilySearch--indexed under the family name 'Soper')
Chs M Loper, 7, born NY, with Chas E (grocer) and Margrt Loper et al.
1860 US census, New York, Kings County, Brooklyn, ward 7, microfilm series M653, film 767, page 199 = 67 handwritten (FamilySearch)
Charles M Loper (with Charles E (broker) and Margaret Loper et al.), 17, born New York, clerk
1865 New York State census, New York, Kings County, Brooklyn, ward 7, page 11, line 64 (FamilySearch)
Charles M Loper, 21, born King County, with Charles E (an agent) and Margaret Loper et al.

Sources checked unsuccessfully

1870 US census
FamilySearch index (accessed 17 January 2015)
he is not living with his parents and siblings in Upper Pittsgrove Township, Salem County, New Jersey (FamilySearch)
1880 US census
FamilySearch index (accessed 17 January 2015)
he is not living with his parents and siblings in Pittsgrove, Salem County, New Jersey (FamilySearch)
1890 US census, veterans schedules
Ancestry index (accessed May 2007)
1900 US census
FamilySearch index (accessed 17 January 2015)
1910 US census
FamilySearch index (accessed 17 January 2015)
1920 US census
FamilySearch index (accessed 17 January 2015)
1930 US census
FamilySearch index (accessed 17 January 2015)
1940 US census
FamilySearch index (accessed 17 January 2015)
Pennsylvania, veterans burial cards, 1777-1999
Ancestry index (accessed 4 December 2014)
headstones provided for deceased Union Civil War veterans, 1879-1903
Ancestry index (accessed 4 December 2014)
US headstone applications for military veterans, 1925-1963
Ancestry index (accessed 4 December 2014)
Find a grave
note that the Charles O Loper, born 21 January 1842, died 4 October 1869, buried in Pittsgrove Presbyterian Church Cemetery, is reportedly the son of James Loper and Rebecca K Richman (see memorial 23735967, created by The Bull, added 4 January 2008, accessed 17 January 2015)
Seth and Lydia (Bowen) Loper are buried in the Friendship Methodist Cemetery (along with their sons Elwood H (1845-1934) and Harmon H (1852-54) but not Charles), Monroeville, Salem County, New Jersey (see memorial 132974573, created by Carolyn Schwab, added 18 July 2014, accessed 17 January 2015

Display



Charles T Loper in the 91st PA database

1850 census

[1850 US census, New Jersey, Salem County, Upper Pittsgrove Township, microfilm series M432, film 462, page 210 recto = 419 handwritten (FamilySearch)]
[identification is speculative, since (1) the county matches the location listed in the pension certificate file, and (2) a Seth Loper was a witness for Charles Loper's second pension application in 1866, but (3) his middle initial in the 1860 census is 'P', and entry 23 above (an Ancestry family tree) claims he died in 1860]
line14151617181920
Dwellings visited97      
Families visited97      
NameSeth LoperLydia "James "Charles "Elwood "Angeline "Harten [?] "
[although the FamilySearch indexer read the last personal name as 'Marten', which would match the 1860 census much better, the first character does not look like the 'M' in 'Mary' on line 22, and looks more like the 'H' in 'Hulbert on line 39 (although it is not exactly the same)]
Age323587535/12
Sexmfmmmfm
Color       
Occupation of males over 15 yearsFarm      
Real estate owned       
BirthplaceN.J." "" "" "" "" "" "
Married within year       
Attended school within year  111  
Over 20 & can't read/write       
Deaf, dumb, blind, etc.       

1860 census

[1860 US census, New Jersey, Salem County, Upper Pittsgrove Township, microfilm series M653, film 707, page 38 handwritten (FamilySearch)]
[identification is speculative; see the note on the 1850 census entry transcribed above]
line2425262728293031
Dwelling number288       
Family number282       
NameSeth LoperLydia A "James A "Charles P "Angeline "Martin B "Mary Jane "William F "
Age42421816121062
SexMFMMFMFM
Color        
Occupationfarmer       
Value of real estate owned        
Value of personal estate$800       
Place of birthNJ."""""""
Married within year        
Attended school within year        
Cannot read & write        
Deaf, dumb, blind, etc.        

index to compiled service records

[index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania]
[transcribed 4 December 2014, from Fold3]


Loper Charles T
Co. G, 91 Pennsylvania Inf.
Pvt | Pvt
See also [blank]

GENERAL INDEX CARD.

pension documents packet

[pension documents packet, selected from pension certificate file, soldier's certificate 30393]
[obtained from National Archives; transcribed 15 January 2015]


[image 1]

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
CERT. NO. S.C.-30393
PENSIONER: Charles T. Loper
[blank] OF
VETERAN. [blank]
CAN NO. 371 BUNDLE NO. 52


[image 2]

Adjutant General's Office,
Washington, D.C.,
June 26, 1866.

Sir:

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt from your Office of application for Pension No. 103229, and to return it herewith, with such information as is furnished by the files of this Office.

It appears from the Rolls on file in the Office, that Charles Loper was enrolled on the 13 day of Sept, 1864, at Trenton, in Co. "H" 2 Regiment of NJ Cavalry Volunteers, to serve one years [sic], or during the war, and mustered into service as a private on the 13 day of Sept 1864, at Trenton N.J., in Co. "H", 2d Regiment of N.J. Cavalry Volunteers, to serve one years [sic], or during the war. On the Muster Roll of Co. "H" of that Regiment, for the months of Nov + Dec 1864, he is reported "Hurt Left in Camp near Memphis Tenn." Roll Jan + Feb 1865 reported "Absent. Guard at Q.M. Dept Natchez. Miss." Roll for Mar + Apl /65 reported. Chas T Loper "Present." Roll for May + June 1865 reptd. Discharged and mustered out of service in obedience to G.O. No 83, AGO W.D. June 29 /65"


I am, Sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
Edwd Breck
Assistant Adjutant General.

The Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Memoranda
Name of applicant, [blank]
Address, [blank]

E.T.B. WS [??]


[image 3]

(CIRCULAR No. 7.)

Department of the Interior.
PENSION OFFICE.
June 21, 1866.

Sir:

In the case of Chas T. Loper, late Priv. Co. "H", 2nd Regiment N. Jersey Cavy, it is respectfully requested that you furnish this Office whatever evidence the rolls of said Regiment may afford as to the applicant's service and disability. He alleges that he was wounded at the battle of [blank] day of [blank] and was discharged on the [blank] day of [blank] [written over '[blank] day of [blank]': 'Please give military history.']



Respectfully, yours,
Joseph H. Barrett
Commissioner.


Adjutant General, U.S.A.
Washington, D.C.

103229


[image 4]

2 C.N. [?]
New Jersey

Loz


[image 5]

EXAMINING SURGEON'S RECEIPT.

June 20th 1863.

Received, of Charles T. Loper, late a Private in 91st Pennsylvania U.S. [sic] Volunteers in the service of the United States, the sum of one dollar and fifty cents, being the fee authorized by law for an examination which I have this day made of the said Charles T. Loper as an applicant for an invalid pension.


Quinton Gibbon M.D.
Examining Surgeon.

[see image 6 for the application that is partly present in this image]


[image 6]

(INVALID ARMY PENSION.)
State of New Jersey County of Salem ss.

On this twentieth day of June A.D. one thousand, eight hundred and sixty three personally appeared before me one of the Judges within and for the County & State aforesaid, Charles T Loper aged 18 years, a resident of Pittsgrove Salem Co. in the State of New Jersey who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical Charles T Loper who enlisted in the service of the UNITED STATES as Philadelphia Pa. on the twenty first day of July in the year 1862 as a private in Company G commanded by Capt Eli G Sellers in the 91st Regiment of Pennsylvania Vols. in the War of 1861, and was honorably discharged on the first day of June in the year 1863 that while in the service aforesaid, and in the line of his duty, he was wounded in the left Shoulder by a piece of Shell at the Battle of Fredricksburg Va. Decr 13. 1862. went into hospital became very much debilitated and was discharged on "Surgeon's certificate of disability" since his discharge has lived in Pittsgrove Salem Co. N.J. unable to perform any labor and is of temperate habits. P.O. Elmer. Salem Co. NJ. Discharged at Camp near Stoneman Switch Va. J.H. Sinex. Lt Col. comdg.

Charles T Loper Claimant.

Also, personally appeared Joseph Jones and Isaac Johnson, residents of Salem Co. N.J. persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who being by me duly sworn, say they were present and saw said claimant sign his name to the foregoing declaration; and they further swear that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of the applicant, and their acquaintance with him, that he is the identical person he represents himself to be; and they further state, they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.


Joseph Jones Isaac Johnson Witness.

Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 22 day of June A.D. 1863 and I hereby certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim.

John Johnson Judge

I hereby Authorize Thos V. T. Rusling of Salem NJ. my Agent and Attorney in fact, to present the foregoing claim, and to receive and receipt for, in my name and stead, the money, certificate, or amount [?] payable under it.

Charles T Loper

Joseph Jones Isaac Johnson Witness.

State of New Jersey, County of Salem ss.

Personally appeared Chas T Loper whose name is signed to the foregoing Power of Attorney, and acknowledged the same to be his free and voluntary act, for the purposes therein named.


John Johnson Judge.


[image 7]

Invalid Pension.

State of New Jersey, Salem County ss.

On this Twentieth day of February A.D. one thousand eight hundred and sixty six personally appeared before me, Jonth L Brown Clerk of the Court of Com Pleas in and for the County and State aforesaid, Charles T Loper aged 22 years, a resident of said County and State, who being duly sworn, according to law, declares that he is the identical Charles T Loper who enlisted in the service of the United States at Trenton NJ on the 13" day of September 1864 in Co. "H" 2d Regt N J Cavly in the War of 1861, and was honorably discharged on the 29" day of June 1865 at Vicksburg Miss while in the service aforesaid, and in the line of his duty. while at Columbus Miss about the 1" of June 1865 was taken with chronic diarreah [sic] and has been suffering from the effect of this disease up to the present time. that he has resided in Salem Co. NJ since his discharge; that he unable [sic] to do any labor that his habits are temperate; and I do hereby appoint Isaac Hackett Esq of No 221 Penn Avenue Washington DC my attorney, to obtain a Pension for me, with power of substitution and revocation, hereby confirming all that my said attorney may lawfully do by virtue hereof. My Post Office address is Elmer, Salem Co. NJ

Charles T Loper

Also personally appeared, Seth Loper and James Seaman residents of the County and State aforesaid, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who being by me duly sworn, say that they were present, and saw Charles T Loper sign his name to the foregoing declaration, and they further swear that they have every reason to believe, from their acquaintance with the applicant, that he is


[image 8]

[I have transcribed only the middle column; the left and right columns are printed instructions, except for the stamp, which I have also transcribed]

Invalid Army Pension
IN CASE OF
Charles T Loper
Co. G 91st Penna

T.V.F. Rusling Attorney.
Salem P. Office
[blank] County
NJ State

Chas T Loper Claimant.
Elmer P. Office.
Salem County
N.J. State

Filed [blank]


[stamp:] DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. Jan 26 1868 [?] PENSION OFFICE


[image 9]

the identical person he represents himself to be, and they further swear that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.

Seth Loper
James Seaman

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 20" day of February A.D. 1866, and I hereby certify that I have no interest directly or indirectly in the prosecution of this claim; that said Court is a Court of Record; that I am duly authorized to administer oaths in and for said Court, and have the custody of its official seal.



[In] Testimony Thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the [blank] Court aforesaid, the day and year aforesaid.

Jonath L Brown
Clerk of Court of
Comm Pleas


[image 10]

Admit

INVALID PENSION.

30593

APPLICATION
OF
Chas T Loper priv
Co "H" 2 NJ Cavly
P.O. Elmer. Salem Co. NJ.
Atty.
Isaac Hackett Esq
No 221 Penn Avenue
Washington D.C.

War of 1861.
FOR PENSION
Act of July 14th, 1862, and Supplements.

Filed Feby 22 1866

[stamp:] DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Feb 23 1866 PENSION OFFICE


[image 11]

ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES.
CERTIFICATE OF DISABILITY FOR DISCHARGE.

Private Charles T Loper of Captain Eli. G. Seller's Company, (G.) of the 91st Regt P.V. Infantry was enlisted by Lt Gregory of th 91st Regiment of Pennsylvania Vols at Philadelphia on the 21st day of July 1862, to serve 3 years; he was born in Patterson in the State of New Jersey is 18 years of age, 5 feet 9 inches high, Fair complexion, Grey eyes, Brown hair, and by occupation when enlisted a Farmer During the last two months said soldier has been unfit for duty 40 days. The said Soldier was taken sick while on Picket at Banks Ford during the month of April 1863 he having a short time before returned to his company from the Hospital where he had been since the 18th [??] Dec having received a slight wound at the battle of Frederickburg

STATION: Camp near Falmouth
DATE: May 29th 1863

Eli. G. Sellers
Capt Commanding Company "G"


I CERTIFY, that I have carefully examined the said Private Charles T. Loper of Captain Eli G. Sellers Company, and find him incapable of performing the duties of a soldier because of Phthisis Pulmonalis. Said soldier has been off duty 4 months, and in my opinion will never be capable of performing the duties of a Soldier. I would respectfully urge that he be discharged. his disability occurred since enlistment.

J. A. C. Reed
Surgeon in charge Hospital 3D Div 5" Corps


DISCHARGED, this First day of June 1863, at Camp near Stonemans Switch Va.

Jos H Sinex
Lieut Colonel
Commanding the Reg't

The soldier desires to be addressed at [blank]


[image 12]

[left column]

CERTIFICATE OF DISABILITY FOR DISCHARGE
IN THE CASE OF
Charles T Loper
a Private of Co. G
91st Reg't of P.V. Infantry

Approved June 1 /63.
C. J. Russel As. Sur. USA
Act. Med. Director.
5th. Corps.

Hd. Qrs 5th Army Corps
Camp near Falmouth Va
June 1 1863
To be discharged
By Command of
Majr Genl Meade
Fred T Locke
Asst Adjt Genl

Received (A.G. Office) [blank]

[middle column]

Approved
C. Morgan
Asst. Surg. USA
Surg in Chief 2" Div. 5" Cops.

[illegible] 2d Div. 5th Corp
Office Surg. in Chief
May 28th 1863

S.C.D.B. 2.


Hd Qrts 5th Army Corps
Med Dir. Office
June 1" 1863
Asst Surg USA & [??]
act Med Director


Adjutant General's Office,
June 17 1863.
Duplicate for the Pension Office
Saml Breck
Asst. Adjt. Genl.


[I did not transcribe image 13, which consists of printed instructions for filling out the form]

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revised 16 Jan 15
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