COLONEL JOHN F. CRAMER
John F. Cramer was one of the original officers selected by
Col. Hassendeubel in August 1861 to lead the Turner Society's new regiment
called the Western Turner Rifles. He was commissioned Lt. Col. of
the 17th Missouri Voluntweer Infantry Regiment to rank from August 22,
1863. He served as regimental executive officer from August 1861
to July 1863 during the campaigns in Missouri, Arkansas and Vicksburg.
During Col. Hassendeubel's frequent absences to serve as brigade commander,
he was acting commanding officer of the regiment. He was a skilled administrator
and managed the regiment's affairs in a commendable manner.
After Col. Hassendeubel's death from wounds before Vicksburg, he
was appointed commanding officer and promoted to the rank of Colonel effective
July 18, 1863. He successfully led the 17th Missouri during the relief
of Chattanooga, but the responsibilities of command were more than he could
handle. After the Chattnooga Campaign, he turned over command to Major
Romer and returned to St. Louis on recruiting duty. His efforts failed
to bring the regiment up to full strength, and after returning to the regiment
during the winter of 1863-64, was unable to convince the three year veterans
to reenlist for the duration of the war. He had developed a serious drinking
problem while in St. Louis and as the regiment prepared to leave its winter
quarters at Bellefonte, Alabama to embark on the Atlanta Campaign, he became
despondent and committed suicide on May 2, 1864. He was remembered
by his men with affection and compassion for the sacrifices he made for
his adopted country during his three continuous years of service under
trying circumstances.
1/27/01
Copyright (c) 2001 Philip RHinderberger
Back