Person Record
Metadata
Name |
English, Charles |
Other Names |
Charley |
Born |
ca. 1832 |
Birthplace |
Hardin County Kentucky |
Notes |
Charles English was born in Hardin County, Kentucky, and grew up in nearby Elizabethtown. He was one of six slaves owned by Robert English, a prosperous merchant, one-time sheriff, and former state legislator. About 1855, Charles married Sarah Ann, a slave who also lived on the farm; she became pregnant the following year, and while still pregnant was sold to a neighbor. After their son, also named Charles, was born, the two owners permitted Charles Sr. and Sarah to live together. In summer 1864, Charles left his family to enlist in the 108th Infantry without the consent of his master. Two days later he was promoted to sergeant. In January 1865 the regiment was sent to Rock Island, Illinois, where they guarded Confederate prisoners of war. In May 1865, Charles departed with his comrades for duty in Mississippi. He fell ill with dysentery, and on August 24, 1865, was admitted to a military hospital in Vicksburg. He died of the disease 3 days later, aged about 33. His wife survived him by 5 years, dying in 1870, thus leaving twelve-year-old Charles Jr. an orphan. |
