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John F. Ballier papers

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Held at: German Society of Pennsylvania: Joseph P. Horner Memorial Library [Contact Us]611 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19123

This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the German Society of Pennsylvania: Joseph P. Horner Memorial Library. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.

Overview and metadata sections

Born in Aurich, county of Vaihingen, in what was then the Kingdom of Württemberg, John Ballier trained as a baker. In 1838 he emigrated with his wife to the United States. Upon settling in Philadelphia, he established a bakery. Later he joined the militia as a member of the Washington Light Infantry Company, with which he saw battle in Mexico in 1846-1847. After retiring from the baking business in 1852, Ballier served as Captain of the night-watch in the Philadelphia Mint from 1852 to 1861.

Upon the outbreak of the Civil War in April 1861, Ballier formed the 21st Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers for three months' service, holding the rank of Colonel. When, at the expiration of that term, he was ordered to recruit a regiment for three years' service, he organized the 98th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. Fighting with the 98th in the Battle of Fort Stevens, Washington, D. C., 12 July 1864, he was wounded (for the second time in the war) and was visited afterwards by President Lincoln, who conferred upon him the rank of Brevet Brigadier General.

Ballier returned permanently to Philadelphia in December 1865, and purchased a hotel at 4th Street and Fairmount Avenue. Subsequently he served as Day Inspector of the Philadelphia Custom House, 1866-1867; as City Commissioner, 1867-1870; and as Colonel of the 3rd Regiment of the National Guard of Pennsylvania, from 1869 until his retirement in 1876.

Ballier was a co-founder of the Cannstatter Volksfest-Verein in 1873. He was also a member of the German Hospital of the City of Philadelphia, and the German Society of Pennsylvania.

The collection comprises primarily records related to the Civil War service of John F. Ballier, including correspondence, guard reports, muster rolls, military orders, and other papers related to the 21st and the 98th Regiments of Pennsylvania Volunteers, which Ballier commanded. Muster rolls are for companies under Christoph Meyer, Henry de Crauzat, Dennis Mullen, and Frank Baker. Included are documents and a photograph pertaining to the erection of the soldiers' monument for the 98th Regiment in Battleground National Cemetery, Washington, D. C., in 1891.

Other papers of Ballier include a handwritten journal that he kept in 1864, concerning the activities of his regiment; documents from 1864 to 1865 relating to the two times that he was wounded in battle, the review of his case by medical officers, and his honorable discharge; and a handwritten copy of a resolution of the National Guard of Pennsylvania, Third Regiment, acknowledging Ballier's retirement in 1876.

An item of special significance is a large personal scrapbook assembled by Ballier, containing correspondence, memorabilia, ephemera, and clippings related to his Civil War service as well as to other events throughout his life. Many items reflect activities of an array of German-American societies in Philadelphia. Ballier was revered figure in the German-American community of Philadelphia, and served as chief marshal at major events such as the Humboldt anniversary celebration of 1869, and the Friedens-Fest, or Peace Celebration, commemorating the end of the Franco-Prussian war in 1871. As a founding member and long-time Vice President of the Cannstatter Volksfest-Verein, he was also a central figure in the activities of that society, including the annual folk festival; and, in 1861, the ceremony for the unveiling of the statue of Schiller that the society erected in Fairmount Park.

Also included in the collection are records of discharges and payments to veterans of various regiments in Pennsylvania and in other states; and a volume entitled Pennsylvania Militia Legion cashbook.

Some documents in the collection pertain to individual soldiers in various regiments, and convey biographical information, including a volunteer enlistment form for Louis Sterne; and discharge certificates for the following 17 soldiers: Louis Advenna, Christian Auer, Christian Damian, Christian Eberle, John Eitel, Ferdinand Ensinger, Leopold Fogle, George Grau, Frederick Leiser, John Lindner, Kasle Mai, Cornelius Roth, Henry Schmitt, Christoph Storz, John Walter, Edward Walters, and William Wannewetsch.

Gift of John F. Ballier, 1892.

Publisher
German Society of Pennsylvania: Joseph P. Horner Memorial Library
Finding Aid Author
Finding aid prepared by Violet Lutz
Finding Aid Date
2011.01
Access Restrictions

This collection is open for research.

Use Restrictions

Copyright restrictions may apply. Please contact the German Society of Pennsylvania with requests for copying and for authorization to publish, quote or reproduce the material.

Collection Inventory

Correspondence of John F. Ballier on behalf of the 21st Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, 7 June – 18 July 1861. Handwritten copies of letters sent and received. Five leaves in large bound letter book, with remaining pages blank. 1 leaf (handwritten report) laid in.
Box 1
Physical Description

Handwritten copies of letters sent and received. Five leaves in large bound letter book, with remaining pages blank. 1 leaf (handwritten report) laid in

Circular to the Pennsylvania Volunteers, Washington, November 1, 1861. 1 leaf (bifolium), printed. Signed by Edgar Cowan, Thomas E. Franklin, and E. C. Humes. 2 copies. See also Box 5, for other printed general orders and circulars..
Box 2 Folder 1
Volunteer enlistment form for Louis Sterne of Philadelphia, Pa., Company D, Brandy Station, Va., 25 December 1863. 1 leaf, signed by Sterne and by William Goehrig, examining surgeon.
Box 2 Folder 2
Physical Description

1 leaf, signed by Sterne and by William Goehrig, examining surgeon

Journal of John F. Ballier, 4 May to 2 July 1864. Handwritten, 7 leaves.
Box 2 Folder 3
Physical Description

Handwritten, 7 leaves

List of soldiers of the regiment killed and wounded at the Battle of Fort Stevens, Washington, DC, 12 July 1864, undated.
Box 2 Folder 3
John F. Ballier's account of events from 12 July 1864 to 12 January 1865, dated 18 January 1865. 2 leaves (bifolium). Narrative consisting largely of copies of documents and military orders, covering the period from the Ballier's being wounded at Fort Stevens, Washington, D. C., through to his honorable discharge, on 4 January 1865, and his finding his name listed in the Philadelphia Inquirer of 13 July 1865 "for Promotion, to be Brigadier General by Brevet for distinguished gallantry throughout the present campaign before Richmond, Virginia, to date from July 13, 1864".
Box 2 Folder 4
Copy of three memos of the Medical Director's Office, Washington, D.C., 13 December 1864 [undated copy]. Marked "True copy"; evidently produced by the Medical Directors Office. The memos concern Ballier's being examined at that time for his condition, in view of a gunshot wound of the right ankle received 3 May 1864 as well as a gunshot wound of the right thigh received 12 July 1864 (in the Battle of Fort Stevens). Copies of these memos are included Ballier's own narrative of 18 January 1865, above.
Box 2 Folder 4
Physical Description

Marked "True copy"; evidently produced by the Medical Directors Office. The memos concern Ballier's being examined at that time for his condition, in view of a gunshot wound of the right ankle received 3 May 1864 as well as a gunshot wound of the right thigh received 12 July 1864 (in the Battle of Fort Stevens). Copies of these memos are included Ballier's own narrative of 18 January 1865, above

Ballier's address to the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association, [July 1885]. Printed flyer. Date from Ballier's dating of same flyer in his scrapbook.
Box 2 Folder 5
Physical Description

Printed flyer. Date from Ballier's dating of same flyer in his scrapbook

Related to Committee on soldier's monument for the 98th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, Battle Ground National Cemetery, Washington, DC, 1891. 2 items: Agreement with P. Reinhalter & Co., Philadephia, for construction, 15 February 1891, 1 leaf; and receipt for work done, 15 July 1891, 1 leaf.
Box 2 Folder 5
Physical Description

2 items: Agreement with P. Reinhalter & Co., Philadephia, for construction, 15 February 1891, 1 leaf; and receipt for work done, 15 July 1891, 1 leaf

Letter from Quartermaster General, United States Army, to John F. Ballier, 27 July 1891. . 1 leaf + preservation photocopy. Acknowledges receipt of the monument in the Battle Ground, Washington, DC, erected by the surviving veterans of the 98th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. Condition note: brittle and in fragments; most of text discernible on photocopy.
Box 2 Folder 6
Physical Description

1 leaf + preservation photocopy. Acknowledges receipt of the monument in the Battle Ground, Washington, DC, erected by the surviving veterans of the 98th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. Condition note: brittle and in fragments; most of text discernible on photocopy

Resolution of the National Guard of Pennsylvania, Third Regiment, 11 December 1876. 2 leaves. Concerns the resignation of John F. Ballier. Signed by Hugh Rodgers, President; and Thomas Flurey, Secretary.
Box 2 Folder 7
Physical Description

2 leaves. Concerns the resignation of John F. Ballier. Signed by Hugh Rodgers, President; and Thomas Flurey, Secretary

Flier advertising reunion of the 98th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers on 12 July 1886, Shuster's Park, Philadelphia, in commemoration of the Battle of Fort Stevens, 12 July 1864. 1 leaf.
Box 2 Folder 7
Flier: History of General John F. Ballier, circa 1885. 2 leaves (bifolium). Portrait of Ballier (drawing) on cover. Condition: soiled. See other copies of same flyer in Ballier scrapbook. Probably produced around the time of Ballier's 70th birthday.
Box 2 Folder 7
Physical Description

2 leaves (bifolium). Portrait of Ballier (drawing) on cover. Condition: soiled. See other copies of same flyer in Ballier scrapbook. Probably produced around the time of Ballier's 70th birthday

Testament letter of John F. Ballier, naming the Archive of the German Society of Pennsylvania, 18 June 1892. 2 leaves. Includes inventory list.
Box 2 Folder 7
Physical Description

2 leaves. Includes inventory list

"Discharges on Hands [sic!]," 8 June 1868. 1 leaf. Handwritten. Notations of discharges and bounties paid.
Box 2 Folder 8
Advenna, Louis. 2nd Regiment, Company K. Maryland Volunteers.
Box 2 Folder 9
Auer, Christian. 5th Regiment, Company F. Pennsylvania Volunteers.
Box 2 Folder 9
Damian, Christian. 5th Regiment, Company A. Pennsylvania Volunteers.
Box 2 Folder 9
Eberle, Christian. 98th Regiment, Company B. Pennsylvania Volunteers.
Box 2 Folder 9
Eitel, John. 97th Regiment, Company C. Pennsylvania Volunteers.
Box 2 Folder 9
Ensinger, Ferdinand. 19th Regiment, Company C. Pennsylvania Calvary.
Box 2 Folder 9
Fogle, Leopold. 191st Regiment, Company A. Pennsylvania Volunteers.
Box 2 Folder 10
Grau, George. 5th Regiment, Company A. Pennsylvania Calvary.
Box 2 Folder 10
Leiser, Frederick. 150th Regiment, Company D. Pennsylvania Volunteers.
Box 2 Folder 10
Lindner, John. 98th Regiment, Captain [no company listed]. Pennsylvania Volunteers.
Box 2 Folder 10
Mai, Kasle. 95th Regiment, Company F. New York Volunteers.
Box 2 Folder 10
Roth, Cornelius. 73rd Regiment, Company C. Pennsylvania Volunteers.
Box 2 Folder 10
Schmitt, Henry. 98th Regiment, Company E. Pennsylvania Volunteers.
Box 2 Folder 11
Stortz, Christoph. 98th Regiment, Regimental Band. Pennsylvania Volunteers.
Box 2 Folder 11
Walter, John. 36th [?] Regiment, Company K. New York Volunteers.
Box 2 Folder 11
Walters, Edward. 4th Regiment, Company B. Delaware Volunteers.
Box 2 Folder 11
Wannewetsch, William. 98th Regiment, Company H. Pennsylvania Volunteers.
Box 2 Folder 11
Discharges received for collection of extra bounty [caption title], 1866-1869. Bound volume. Includes sequential list of soldiers, with dates of enlistment and discharge; and amount paid; and, in a separate section, signed statements by soldiers acknowledging the amount of bounty received for their claims, from John F. Ballier on behalf of the United States government. Covers detached, gatherings and many pages loose. Please use preservation copy. (Original call no.: AE 1679).
Box 3
Preservation copy of Discharges received for Collection of Extra Bounty, bound volume (Bridgeport National Bindery, 1998).
Box 3
Pennsylvania Militia Legion cashbook, 6 December 1865 - 6 December 1869. Bound volume. Signatures include John F. Ballier, J. D. Flur, Daniel Emmig. Covers detached, gatherings and many pages loose. Please use preservation copy. Laid in: letter from Engelbert Greiner to A. Herrmann, at National Soldiers’ Home, Dayton, OH, dated 26 December 1863. (Original call no.: AE 1680).
Box 3
Preservation copy of Pennsylvania Militia Legion cashbook, bound volume (Bridgeport National Bindery, 1998).
Box 3

Scrapbook of John F. Ballier, circa 1831-1889. . Approximately 100 leaves. Includes numerous documents from Ballier's service in the Civil War, including correspondence, military orders and newspaper clippings, as well as memorabilia going back to his apprenticeship as a baker in Aurich (Vaihingen), Württemberg, and related to his activities in Philadelphia during the rest of his life, including significant German-American festivities such as the Humboldt centennial in 1869, the Friedensfest in 1871, and the unveiling of the Schiller statue in Fairmount Park in 1886. Included is a manuscript note in the hand of Abraham Lincoln, dated 25 March 1863, addressed to Pennsylvania Governor A. G. Curtin, concerning Ballier's being allowed to resume his commission. Note: in need of consevation treatment; spine missing and most pages detached. .
Box 4
This scrapbook has been digitized by Villanova University and is available to view online at.

https://digital.library.villanova.edu/Item/vudl:535512#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-2786%2C-168%2C7807%2C3333

Physical Description

Approximately 100 leaves. Includes numerous documents from Ballier's service in the Civil War, including correspondence, military orders and newspaper clippings, as well as memorabilia going back to his apprenticeship as a baker in Aurich (Vaihingen), Württemberg, and related to his activities in Philadelphia during the rest of his life, including significant German-American festivities such as the Humboldt centennial in 1869, the Friedensfest in 1871, and the unveiling of the Schiller statue in Fairmount Park in 1886. Included is a manuscript note in the hand of Abraham Lincoln, dated 25 March 1863, addressed to Pennsylvania Governor A. G. Curtin, concerning Ballier's being allowed to resume his commission. Note: in need of consevation treatment; spine missing and most pages detached.

General orders and circulars, 1861-1865. Over a hundred individual general orders or circulars issued by the War Department, Washington; Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, Washington; Head Quarters, Department of Pennsylvania; Headquarters, Pennsylvania Militia; or similar entities. See also one circular to the Pennsylvania Volunteers in Folder 1 .
Box 5
Physical Description

Over a hundred individual general orders or circulars issued by the War Department, Washington; Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, Washington; Head Quarters, Department of Pennsylvania; Headquarters, Pennsylvania Militia; or similar entities. See also one circular to the Pennsylvania Volunteers in Folder 1

Handwritten report of casualties of the 98th Pennsylvania Regiment, 1861-1865, by Pennsylvania Adjutant General A. L. Russell, Harrisburg, 17 April 1865. 8 leaves. Note: in need of conservation treatment.
Box 6
Battles and Engagements by the 98th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, undated. 4 leaves. In the hand of John F. Ballier. Note: in need of conservation treatment.
Box 6
Original correspondence received by John F. Ballier related to the 21st and the 98th Regiments of Pennsylvania Volunteers, ca. 1861-1864. 11 handwritten and one printed item pasted onto 4 leaves, in the manner of a scrapbook. Note: in need of conservation treatment.
Box 6
Photograph of the soldiers' monument to the 98th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, circa 1891 [?], with caption: "Erected on the Battle Ground, Washington, DC, in the National Cemetery, of the Battle of Fort Stevens, July 11th and 12th, 1864, as a Memento to their Comrades killed and wounded there, July 13th 1891." (Original call no.: AD 34.2).
Box 6

Guard report, 21st regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, 21-22 June 1861. 1 leaf, handwritten. Heading: Report of a guard mounted at Camp Thomas, Md., on the 20th day of June 1861 and relieved on the 21st June, 1861. Signed by G. Mulley, Lieutenant, 21st Regiment, commanding the guard; and John B. Kohler, Captain Company K, Officer of the Day.
Box 7
Guard report, 21st regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, 26-27 June 1861. 1 leaf, handwritten. Title: Report of a guard mounted at Camp ___ [sic] Md. on the 26th day of June 1861 and relieved on the 27th of June 1861. Signed by Hoffman (first name written lightly and not decipherable), Lieutenant Commander, 21st Regiment, the guard; August Ledig, Captain Company H, Officer of the Day; and A. Mehler, Major, 21st Regiment, Officer of the Day.
Box 7
Original sleeve bearing the handwritten label: Muster Roll vom 98. Regiment von 1861 to 1865. Stamped: John F. Ballier, N. E. Cor[ner] 4th Street & Fairmount Ave.
Box 7
#1. Muster roll, 2 June 1861. Heading: Return of the Twenty-First Regiment of Rifles, 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, Pennsylvania Volunteers (Colonel John F. Ballier), for the month of May 1861. Printed and handwritten. 1 leaf, 23-1/4 x 19-3/4". Chambersburg, Pennsylvania (Camp McClure), 2 June 1861. 1 leaf, oversize. On verso: Commissioned officers, present and absent ... Alterations since last return among the enlisted men.. No signature in place provided for signature of regimental commander.
Box 7
#2. Muster roll, 29 August 1861 – Company D. Heading: Muster roll of Captain Henry de Crauzat , [98th?] Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. Philadelphia, 29 August 1861. Printed and handwritten. 1 leaf, 17-1/4 x 19-3/4". Signed by Henry de Crauzat, Captain; and as mustering officers: Captain J. H. McArthur; Captain S. H. Starr; and Colonel Ruff.
Box 7
#3. Muster roll, 28 September 1861 – Company B. Heading: Muster-in roll of Captain Christoph Meyer’s Company B [98th Regiment?] of Pennsylvania Volunteers. Philadelphia, 28 September 1861. Printed and handwritten. 1 leaf, 17-1/4 x 20". Signed by Christoph Meyer, Captain; and as mustering officers: Captain Smith, Captain Dye.
Box 7
#4. Muster roll, 23 October 1861. Heading: Muster-in roll of Field & Staff non-com[missioned] Staff & Band in the [98th?] Regiment (infantry) of Pennsylvania Volunteers. 23 October 1861. Printed and handwritten. 1 leaf, 17-1/4 x 19-3/4". Signed by mustering officers: Captain J. H. McArthur; Captain Dye; Lt. Col. Ruff.
Box 7
#5. Muster roll, 31 October 1861 – Company B. Heading: Return of Captain Christoph Meyer of Company B of the Twenty-first [98th?]Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers ... for the month of October 1861. Printed and handwritten. Camp Tennallytown [Tenleytown, Washington, D.C.], 31 October 1861. Printed and handwritten. 1 leaf, 16 x 9-3/4". Signed by Christoph Meyer, Captain commanding the company.
Box 7
#6. Muster roll, 31 October 1861 – Company B. Heading: Muster roll of Captain Christoph Meyer, Company B, in the Twenty-First [98th?] Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. Tennallytown [Tenleytown, Washington,] D.C., 31 October 1861. Printed and handwritten. 1 leaf, 30-3/4 x 21". Title: Signed by Christoph Meyer, Captain; and John Beck, Brigadier General, Mustering Officer.
Box 7
#7. Muster roll, 31 October 1861 – Company D. Heading: Muster roll of Captain Henry de Crauzat of the Twenty-First [98th?] Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. Tennallytown [Tenleytown, Washington], D.C., 31 October 1861. Printed and handwritten. 1 leaf, 31 x 21". Signed by Henry de Crauzat, Captain; and John Beck, Brigadier General as Mustering Officer.
Box 7
#8. Muster roll, 31 December 1861: Heading: Muster roll of the field, staff, non-commissioned staff & band, 98th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. Camp Tennallytown [Tenleytown, Washington,] D.C. Printed and handwritten. 1 leaf, 31 x 21". Tennallytown [Tenleytown, Washington], D. C., 31 December 1861. Signed by John F. Ballier, Colonel; and Thomas A. Rowley, Colonel, 13th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, Mustering Officer.
Box 7
#9. Muster roll, 31 December 1861 – Company D: Heading: Muster roll of Captain Henry de Crauzat, Company D, in the 98th late 21st Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. Camp Tennally [Tenleytown, Washington, D.C.], 31 December 1861. Printed and handwritten. 1 leaf, 31 x 21". Signed by J. George Bossert, commanding; and Thomas A. Rowley, Inspector and Mustering Officer.
Box 7
#10. Muster roll, 28 February 1862: Heading: Muster roll of the field, staff, and bandof the 98th Infantry Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. Camp Tennally [Tenleytown, Washington, D.C.], 28 February 1862. Printed and handwritten. 1 leaf, 14-1/4 x 10". Signed by John F. Ballier, Colonel commanding the Regiment; and R[égis] de Trobriand, Colonel commanding the 55th Regiment of New York Volunteers, as Inspector and Mustering Officer.
Box 7
#11. Muster roll, 28 February 1862 – Company D: Heading: Muster roll of Captain Henry de Crauzat, Company D, of the 98th Regiment of Pennsylvania U. S. Volunteers. Camp Tennally [Tenleytown, Washington, D.C.], 28 February 1862. Printed and handwritten. 1 leaf, 21x 21". Signed by Henry de Crauzat, commanding; and R. de Trobriand, Inspector and Mustering Officer.
Box 7
#12. Muster roll, 31 October 1863: Heading: Muster roll of the field and staff of the 98th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. Printed and handwritten. 1 leaf, 19-1/2 x 11". 31 October 1863, signed by John F. Ballier, Colonel commanding the Regiment; and J. I. Nevin, Major, 93rd Regiment of P. V., as Inspector and Mustering Officer.
Box 7
#13. Muster roll, 25 December 1863 – Company E: Heading: Muster and descriptive roll of veteran volunteers re-enlisted by Captain Dennis Mullen, Company E of the 98th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. Brandy Station, Va., 25 December 1863. Printed and handwritten. 1 leaf, 30-3/4 x 10-3/4". Muster “in premium bounty and advance pay” (added in title). Unsigned.
Box 7
#14. Muster roll, 29 June 1865: Heading: Muster-out roll of Captain Frank Baker Company E, 98th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. Defense of Washington, D. C., 29 June 1865. Printed and Handwritten. 1eaf, 28 x 37".
Box 7

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