The following article was taken from George Wilhelm Beehrer's
Find-a-Grave memorial #160430451
with permission from the owner of the memorial, Jeanne Dahlin Swick and
The Montana Historical Society and the Twin Bridges Historical Society
(from where the material originated).
George Wilhelm BÜHRER's original
German Lutheran birth record, and many other family documents,
can be found at Ancestry.com back into the 1700's. The family
surname, in Germany was Bührer; however, George used BEEHRER
for a great part of his life in Montana; many historical
references use both spellings. He is the only one of the three
brothers to use Beehrer on his tombstone--the other two, Charles
and Gottlob (Frank Sr.), used Bührer. The difference in
spelling can likely be attributed to keeping mail and personal
business separate, because all three brothers lived in close
proximity to one another in Madison County, Montana, on the
ranch on the Big Hole River they named "Sunnyside".
The family had deep and traceable roots in and around the city
of Stuttgart in Baden-Württemberg. The parents, Christian
Gottlieb Bührer (1790-1866) and Christiane Barbara (nee
Höchner)
Bührer (1803-1853), both died in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg,
Germany. A bio of George's brother, Charles A. Buhrer in the
historical book, "Progressive Men of the State of
Montana," makes note of the Bührer parents: "[father
was a] prominent farmer and business man in Germany, having
there operated a brick-yard, lime-kiln and plaster of paris
mill, and where he remained until his death, as did his wife,
whose maiden name was Christina Hoechner." The grandfather,
Johannes Bührer, was also a 'ziegler' [brick layer]. In reading
old German records online, I found the same occupation confirmed
for both the father and grandfather.
In 1852, the first of his family to emigrate from Germany, he
worked his way across America to the gold fields of California
by about 1860, hoping to strike it rich. That didn't happen. By
1863, the Civil War was in full swing. Many Californians were
eager to be part of the Union fighting force, even though little
action was seen west of the Mississippi River; but their
location on the west coast of the US made it difficult to
transport them to the eastern fields of battle. Travel east
could only happen by taking an expensive ship voyage or a long,
dangerous, and time-consuming overland trip. However, the Civil
War was soon in need of more Union soldiers, and in 1863 the
state of Massachusetts needed additional volunteers to fulfill
their required draft quota, so a deal was reached whereby
Massachusetts would pay the cost of organizing and transporting
the enthusiastic Californians to Boston to meet their manpower
needs. The first company of Californians to arrive in Boston was
Company A of the 2nd MA Cavalry, known historically as the
'California 100'. Due to their success and the need for even
more soldiers, another four companies of California volunteers
was requested. Ready for another adventure in America,
especially one that paid, Bührer enlisted in San Francisco in
Company E of the 2nd Massachusetts Cavalry, historically known
as the 'California Battalion' and also nicknamed the 'California
Cossacks'. He listed Michigan as the state of his residence
on enlistment; probably because he had spent a lot of time in
both Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo after emigrating.
Recruits were only accepted if they were young and knew how to
ride a horse. It was, after all, a cavalry unit. They were also
expected to pass a physical examination, which included
stripping and jumping over a table to prove their vigor. Since
they would have no horses until they reached the East, they
drilled on foot and practiced sabre drills and other military
maneuvers. Uniforms and blankets were issued. The California
blankets and uniforms were made by a local San Francisco woolen
mill and later proved to be superior to those supplied in the
East. The wool uniform jackets were dark blue with yellow braid;
the pants light blue; caps were dark blue with a sloping bill. A
long wool cape was also provided.
The three additional companies, and Bührer's Co. E, set off in
Feb of 1863 on a steamship headed south to Panama, then took a
railroad across the isthmus and boarded another steamer which
sailed past Acapulco and Cuba and eventually up the East Coast
to Boston, arriving in April of 1863. For George, the war now
began in earnest.
By reading his detailed Civil War diary, now held privately but
transcribed online, the time between 1863 and 1866 is well
documented. He likely aspired to the glory of fighting in a war
at first, but by the time he was mustered out in 1865, he'd
probably changed his mind.
To see a photograph of the diary and Bührer's Colt Army pistol,
Google and visit the 'Michael Sorenson Collection' online.
[Note: I have compiled a document annotating the transcribed
online diary with historical references and photographs which
will tie his life and travels into the historical times in which
he lived. The document is free to anyone interested. It
is about 120 pages and can be sent in PDF formatting. Make your
request through messaging the administrator of this memorial at
Findagrave. In addition, I have compiled a family history
database which I am also happy to share.]
The cavalry of the 2nd Massachusetts units fought and died and
survived under the most harsh conditions while fighting in some
of the war's most dangerous hotspots in the Eastern Theater in
Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC. They were harassed nearly
daily by Mosby's Guerillas; and picket duty, the most hazardous
duty performed by infantrymen, and often assigned to Bührer,
was an invitation to be killed by snipers or captured. Some of
his friends died at Andersonville, the notorious Confederate
prison in Richmond VA. It was a daily struggle not to be either
wounded, killed or captured, and he and his men fought in many
historic skirmishes and full-blown battles. Bührer noted, "Who
can foretell how many will ever reach their homes again."
They endured cold winters, pouring rain and wet river crossings,
sometimes with no cover or blankets. They rode horseback for as
many as 50 hours at a time with little rest and short rations
and were up for 2AM Reveille and still horseback at midnight
some days. Twice, Bührer had his horse shot out from underneath
him and had to flee by foot to escape capture. (An 1891 pension
record shows he had some type of leg injury that categorized him
as an 'Invalid', and he did walk with a cane in his later years
although he was not incapacitated.) During general roster call
in February of 1864, he noted that his company only mustered 49
men, "not half the number we had a year ago".
Below are some EXCERPTS from his diary that picture his
life from 1863-1865. Although well educated in Germany and
highly intelligent, his immigrant English is not perfect. He
spells phonetically in many instances…
SPY
"Took a Miss Porter of Fairfax to Centreville. Miss Porter
acted as spy for the rebel army, she is put over the line.
Detailed for picket at night."
COLD
"We attempted to cross Difficult Run, the stream was to
high one of our men George Wilcox [Co. E] came very near
drowning, we had to stop this side of the Stream, had a
miserable night, were not allowed any fires, we suffered from
cold, being very wet. Most all day it rained, and turned very
cold at night."
WOUNDED HORSE
"…we got sight of some Guerrillas, we chased them and
came very near running into an ambush they had set for us. About
40 rushed out of the woods, we stood our ground a short time,
giving them the best we had, but being pressed to hard we had to
give away, and safe ourselfs best way we could. Unfortunately I
had my horse wounded, I was obliged to abandon him and take it a
foot. I run for a piece of wood Where I found Lt. Manning, who
had to abandon his horse, we remained in the timber till dark,
then returned to our camp, got there about midnight, safe and
sound. The Guerrillas captured one of my comrades, Oscar
Blanchard, we all regret his loss, he was one of our best
soldiers." [Blanchard later died at Andersonville Prison]
DESERTION
"One of our own men, "W. Ormsby" deserted in the
night, he had'n been out of the guardhouse but a few days…[
later]… After a short time a party of Guerrillas came down the
pike, we had a skirmish with them, routed them & chased them
for some distance, but only overtook one, who turned out to be
Ormsby. We left Aldie went down the pike very slow, stopped the
other side of Mount Zion Church till morning. Weather very
pleasant. Night not very cold. We all feel sad, the hard fate of
our poor comrade is before our eyes and mind. Ormsby poor
fellow, knows what awaits him… Ormsby was tried before a Court
Martial and sentenced to be shot… A sad day and for ever
remembered by all. Poor Ormsby had to suffer death, he
was shot at twelf oclock, he was very firm to the last moment,
he repented, spoke a few words to his old companions, told us to
take warning by him, and never to leave the stars and stripes.
For he took his place on his coffin, he told the firing party to
aim at his heart, he fell quick two bullets pierced his heart
and life fled from him after a few seconds. We all felt bad for
Ormsby, it was a hard fate, but it was not in our power to
release him, or it would have been done."
CLOTHING ALLOWANCE
"A.M. Dress parade and drill. Pay day, there did'n hardly
any receive pay. We are allowed $42 worth of clothing a year,
the most of us had from $60-70 and some as high as $100 worth of
clothing. My clothing bill was $68 & 40 cent. I did'n get
any money, am $4 behind, which has to come out of my next pay.
Detailed for stableguard at night. Weather pleasant."
MISC. DUTIES - ELECTION DAY
"Election day in Maryland; most of the men of this camp
detailed to go to different towns of this neighborhood, to quell
disturbances if there should be any. Co. E went to Rockville, we
left camp about day light, arrived in Rockville in good time, we
stopped in the park of the town. Small disturbances in the
morning between two citizens, very quiet the rest of the day. No
voting the citizens would not take the oath. Rockville &
vicinity is noted for sesesh [secessionist] feelings and
actions."
[Note: The Ironclad Oath was an oath promoted by Radical
Republicans and opposed by President Abraham Lincoln during the
American Civil War. The Republicans intended to prevent
political activity of ex-Confederate soldiers and supporters by
requiring all voters and officials to swear they had never
supported the Confederacy. ] [Wiki]
LINCOLN WATCHING
"There was heavy fighting on our right, the rebels attacked
Fort Stevens several times, and each time repulsed with heavy
loss, they left all their dead and wounded in our hands."
[Note: The Battle of Fort Stevens was fought right in northwest
Washington DC. Lincoln was seen observing the fighting
between the Confederate force of Lt. Gen. Jubal Early and
several Union generals. A steamer was waiting, just in case the
President needed to leave quickly. Early eventually decided
Washington could not be taken without heavy losses and
withdrew.]
BATTLE OF SMITHFIELD CROSSING
"Made another dash on the enemy's line. Lost our Capt., he
fell like a Hero in a charge we made on the enemy's breastworks.
"Capt. Charles S. Eigenbrodt" was truly one of the
bravest of the brave, we all lamented his lose. A ball went
through his heart, and several through his body, we were in
a hot place, R. Campbell, R. Mayers, Flornoy and I were with our
Capt. when he fell."
BATTLE OF OPEQUON
"Reveille at 2 A.M. the whole army on the advance,
skirmishing commenced at day breack, about noon the battle
commenced in earnest, fighting very stubborn on both sides, the
day is ours, but it was a bloody victory. Our lose in killed and
wounded was large also the enemys, they left their wounded and
killed in our hands, we took 6000 prisoners, a number of
canons, wagons and horses and pursued the enemy till late in the
night. Weather fine, night cool."
[Note: This battle was led by Maj. Gen. Phil Sheridan as head of
the Army of the Shenandoah. Also participating were Gen. George
Crook and Col. George Patton, grandfather of WWII's Gen. George
Patton; Patton was killed.]
MOSBY'S GUERILLAS
"Returned to Front Royal, had a skirmish with Moseby's
Guerrillas, they attacked our ambulance train, shot some of the
wounded, we pursued them hotly, took 17 prisoners, their fate
was hard, they had to suffer death."
RETRIBUTION
"Moved our camp a little further back from the road. Light
skirmishing on the line. Lt. Meigs killed by a bushwaker, a
citizen of Dayton. Orders from Headquarters to burn Dayton
and all buildings within two miles of the Town."
BATTLE OF CEDAR CREEK
"Reveille at 4 A.M. The enemy flanked our left, surprised
the 8th Corps in their camp, routed them badly, took 1500
prisoners and 20 canons and a number of wagons. We were on
the extreme right, had a sharp skirmish with the rebel Calvary,
about 9 we were ordered on the picke, for over two miles we rode
in front of the enemy's line, they poured shell and shot into
us. In front of Middletown we took our position on the right
& left of the picke, two hundred of the Brigade dismounted,
took position behind a stonewall and fence, stubbornly we held
our position against the attack of the rebel infantry. Every
thing looked favorable for the enemy till 4 P.M. Our glorious
General Phil. Sheridan arrived, he had been away, he
gathered the fleeing infantry, soon our whole line made a
desparate and furious attack, twice we were repulsed, but the
third time we broke their line and routed the enemy badly, we
pursued the rebels till about 10 oclock at night, we captured 63
pieces of artillerie, a number of wagons, Caissons, Ambulances,
horses and men. We gained a great victory, but it was a
bloody one, our lose in wounded & killed was heavy, many
of our brave comrades fell. "Our brave Col. Lowell acting
General was mortally wounded also Capt. Smith. Capt. Cools, Lt.
Crocker, Lt. Hussey wounded. Off our Co. Corp. Davis was killed,
Sgt. Russell lost his leg, died in the hospital next day. Sgt.
Hepburn was slightly wounded, my Comrade H. Wyatt had his horse
shot, also Rodgers, we all lament the lose of Russell &
Davis, our Colonels, Capt. Smith, and all our comrades in
arms."
THE BURNING
"Reveille at 5 A.M. Most of the Calvary ordered to destroy
all hay, grain etc, and drive of all the horses, cattle, sheep
and hogs, between here and Leesburg, Aldie etc. We had a chase
after some of Moseby's Guerrillas, captured some of them. We had
a large drove of cattle, sheep, hogs, and over hundred horses.
We went into camp near Snikerville, a good deal of picket firing
during the night."
[Note: The "Burning" and occupation of Major
General Philip Sheridan
Sheridan aggressively marched up the Valley from Winchester and
destroyed "2,000 barns filled with grain and implements,
not to mention other outbuildings, 70 mills filled with wheat
and flour" and "numerous head of livestock,"
according to the Official Records. At the end of 1864, he stated
that "The crow that flies over the Valley of Virginia
must henceforth carry his rations with him". ]
LOOK OUT
"On the march back to Winchester, we left Snickerville
about noon, crossed the mountains and the Shenandoah, we are
marching very slow, we had a great deal of trouble with the
sheep & hogs, for we got them across the river, a good many
drownded, we went into camp near the river; detailed for guard a
good deal of picket firing during the night; small parties of
Guerrillas are troubling our outposts as much as they can, a
man has to look out."
8,000 STRONG
"Early in our saddles, passed through Edinburg, Hogantown,
Mount Jakson, there we were detained till late at night, had to
build a Pantoon Bridge across the Shanandoah, we marched till
almost morning, passed through Newmarket, camped about 5 miles
from Harrissonburg. Major General Phillip Sheridan is with us,
we are 8000 strong. Weather pleasant."
KNEE DEEP
"Early on the march; we passed through Staunton, went into
camp near Fisselboro on the Waynesboro road, it was the worst
place for a camp we ever had, a new plowed field; mud was more
then kneedeep. Weather bad, raining more or less nearly all
day. At Waynesboro we had a fight with the enemy, capturing 2500
prisoners, 24 pieces of artillerie, 100 wagons, a number of
horses and mules. General Early had a narrow escape, among the
prisoners we had 87 commissioned officers."
SAILOR'S CREEK
"Early in our saddles, when near Dentonsville we discovered
the enemy's trains moving in the direction of Burksville or
Farmville, escorted by heavy masses of infantry and cavalry, we
were ordered to attack the trains, at Sailors Creek we found a
weak point, we burst on the enemy like a tornado took sixteen
pieces of artillery, many prisoners and about 400 wagons."
THE END - 9 APR 1865
"Picket line a skirmish line, most all the cavalry
dismounted, the enemy to strong for us, we are fighting
desparate, but are compelled to fall back, at last our infantry
came up about A.M. We drove the enemy back, about noon Gen.
Lee surrenderd his whole army, my regiment under the last fire.
P.M. all quiet. We can't hardly realize the quietness, there is
prospects that we dont have any more fighting. Our joy is great
over the victory."
GRAND REVIEW
"We left camp at 8 A.M. marched through Washington, passed
the Capitol & Whitehouse, every thing went of well &
pleasant, the City was tronged with Thousands of spectators.
Weather fine."
[Note: The parade's first day was devoted to Meade's force,
which, as the capital's defending army, was a crowd favorite.
May 23 was a clear, brilliantly sunny day. Starting from Capitol
Hill, the Army of the Potomac marched down Pennsylvania Avenue
before virtually the entire population of Washington, a throng
of thousands cheering and singing favorite Union marching songs.
At the reviewing stand in front of the White House were
President Johnson, General-in-Chief Ulysses S. Grant, and top
government officials. Leading the day's march, General Meade
dismounted in front of the stand and joined the dignitaries to
watch the parade. His army made an awesome sight: a force of
80,000 infantrymen marching 12 across with impeccable precision,
along with hundreds of pieces of artillery and a seven-mile line
of cavalrymen that alone took an hour to pass.] [Source:
Civilwarhome.com]
MOUNT VERNON
"Had a pass, visited Mount Vernon, Estate of General George
Washington. Mount Vernon is a very fine place. The Vault is a
very plain structure. The remains of G. Washington and his lady
rest in marble coffins." [George Washington had only been
dead 66 years in 1865.]
ASSASSINATION TRIAL
"An other report about camp, we will not be mustered out
till the assassination trial is over."
MUSTERED OUT
Wednesday, 19 Jul 1865
COUSIN
"Had a pass to go to Boston, visited my cousin "Paul
Neflon" an Artist, it is over thirteen years since we saw
one an other." [Note: Nefflen is said to have been America's
first mural painter.]
SIGHTSEEING
"Passed the day of in reading & writing. The day seemed
very long to me. I visited Bunker Hill Monument, the old Elm
Tree on Boston Comon. Boston Comon is a very fine place."
[Note: While in the East, he took advantage of every chance to
see more of America and managed to visit as many American
landmarks as he could, including Mt. Vernon and the tombs of
George and Martha Washington, Niagara Falls, Central Park in
NYC, the Boston Commons and Bunker Hill.]
By war's end, Bührer's Company E was the last to be under
fire at the Appomattox Courthouse when Gen. Robert E. Lee
surrendered at noon on April 9, 1865. George W. Bührer survived
the Civil War but lost many of his fellow soldiers/friends. He
showed caring and compassion for many of his wounded, captured,
and dead fellow soldiers, even making an attempt to find the
grave of one after the war by going back to the spot where he
died to place a gravemarker for the "noble and brave
boy".
He mustered in as a Private in 1863 and was promoted to Sgt. in
1865. Privates earned $13 a month; Sergeants pocketed $17.
Bührer came into contact with many of the Civil War's major
players and apparently had great admiration for Gen. Phil
Sheridan while serving under him as part of the Army of the
Shenandoah. Sheridan, Gen. George Crook and Brevet Gen. George
A. Custer, would later take their place in history at the Battle
of the Little Big Horn in Montana in 1876. One night, while in
DC, he went to a theater performance hoping to see Ulysses S.
Grant; instead, President Lincoln and some cabinet
members were in attendance.
Just after mustering out of the Union Army on 19 Jul 1865, his
first act of normalcy was to buy a ticket on a passenger
ship headed across the Atlantic Ocean to visit his old home and
family in Stuttgart GER, who he had not seen for 13 years.
HEADED HOME
"A pleasant day, very little wind. A sail in sight in the
evening. Sunset beautiful, evening lovely. The northern lights
appeared, it was a grand & beautiful sight… Fire broke
out in the kitchen, thank God it was stopped in time… A
pleasant day, foggy in the evening, no wind, we are not making
much headway."
Thursday, 7 Sep 1865
"Arrived in Stuttgart at 4 A.M. About 5 I was in my dear
fathers house, the joy of my father, my sisters & my brother
was great indeed, and of all my relations. I can never forget
this morning, thank God at last my dear fathers, my sisters
& my brother and my wish is fulfilled. It is now more
then thirteen years since I left home."
[Note: George emigrated in 1852; his next-younger brother,
Charles, emigrated in 1855. There was only one other brother,
Gottlob [ later known as Frank Sr.], the youngest of the
brothers, who was still at home when George visited after his
discharge in 1865. Gottlob did not emigrate until 1868, two
years after the death in 1866 of Christian Bührer, the
brothers' father.]
After a happy 7-month visit to his family, he set sail once
again for America, landing in New York in July of 1866, just one
year after he mustered out of the Civil War. He then traveled to
Boston to visit his cousin, saw Niagara Falls, and then traveled
west by train to Ann Arbor and Kalmazoo, Michigan to visit
acquaintances. After that, his goal was to meet his brother
Charles in Montana and start a ranching life. This was to be his
second trip across America. [His first trip was made in 1858,
some years after his initial arrival in America. That 1858
experience was later printed from his diary by his daughter
Julie Beehrer Colyer and can be found online, titled
"Freighting Across the Plains".]
"Left Rochester at 5. A.M. arrived at the Susp. Bridge 10
A.M., went up to the Niagara Falls, saw all what was to
be seen, weather very bad, got very wet, but I did not like
to loose the opportunity I had to see the Falls for all it
rained so hard; 12.50 P.M. I left Susp. Bridge arrived at
Detroit about midnight."
WAGON HO!
Journeying west, he traveled on many historic trails such as the
Oregon and California Trails, the Overland Trail, the Santa Fe
Trail and the Montana Trail and noted many old Pony Express
stations and early historic forts. He experienced the crowded
and hectic life of early pioneer jumping off spots on the
Missouri River in St. Joseph and Nebraska City and later
experienced loneliness on other parts of the remote trail. In
St. Joe on May 1, 1866, he bought two mules, a wagon and a
harness, as well as some needed farm equipment, a mower, sulky
rake and cultivator. On Sunday, 6 May 1866, he and his wagon
pulled by two mules and loaded with groceries and equipment left
St. Joseph and began their journey to Montana. By May 12, he was
in Nebraska City NE and "bought an other pair of mules my
load is to heavy for a long trip".
The diary is so detailed and accurate that you can easily follow
along day to day on a good pioneer map.
"Left camp at 5 A.M. travelled only a short distance when
an axl of a wagon broke, were detained a few hours, passed Plum
creek; there is the graves of 11 men killed by the Indians in
64. We made 25 miles, found good grass for the night, but poor
water."
[Note: Plum Creek Massacre. On Aug. 8, 1864, more than
100 Indians attacked a wagon train carrying freight from Sidney,
Iowa, to Denver. Eleven people were killed in the attack.]
"Left camp at 5. Made 28 miles at noon we camped on Cooper
creek, saw Jim Bakworth, a known trapper & hunter, he was on
his way to Denver, with two more trapers, they had a fine lot of
Beaverskins. At night we camped near Rock creek, road part of
the way bad very rocky, had several small creeks to cross.
Weather bad cold & rainy."
[Note: Born James Beckwith and generally known as, Jim
Beckwourth (April 26, 1798 or 1800 – October 29, 1866 or 1867)
was an American mountain man, fur trader, and explorer. James
was also famously known as "Bloody Arm" because of his
skill as a fighter.]
"In camp till 5. P.M; a large ox train and two mule
trains were ahead of us to use the Ferry boat, after
crossing we made 10 miles, we crossed Four mile creek, crossing
not very good, for night we had a bad camp no water & not
much grass."
[Platte River Crossing…a ferry which was controlled by cables
made out of buffalo hides. The currents from both sides of
the island carried the ferry across to the other side without
having to be pulled…] [Source: uwdigital.uwyom.edu]
"Laying by all day, our mules needed rest, we have
excellent feed, wood & water. A train of 9. Nine wagons
bound for Montana camped with us last night."
"Made 18 miles, arrived at Fort Bridger 1 P.M. went into
camp near the Fort; from here is a road direct to Montana, an
other by the way of Salt Lake City nearly 200 miles further, my
travelling companions took the latter. I had been to Salt Lake
City in 1858; I regretted to leave my companions, I could not
find or wish for any better, P.M. they went on to Salt Lake City
I remained in camp till next day noon. The man that started with
me from Denver remained with me."
[Note: The "road direct to Montana", per Bührer's
diary," was called the Montana Trail. It was a
much shorter version of the Oregon-California trail and one of
the only trails to travel north to south. It was an important
supply route for early gold miners . The trail veered northerly
from Fort Bridger, across eastern Idaho and passing through the
Continental Divide at Monida Pass. As railroads were built, most
of the pioneer trails declined in usage.]
"Made 12 miles, crossed Thompsons Fork, very difficult to
cross at the time, water being very high, had to unload and take
my load across in a boat, about sundown I got started again,
only went two miles, when a forward wheel of my wagon broke
down. I was in a bad fix, all alone, my travelling
companions had left me, fortunately there was a Settlement
about16 miles of."
"Got the tires of my wagon reset, they need it very bad.
Left Soda Springs 3 P.M. went 15 miles, made a dry camp for the
night, had plenty of grass, road good. But rocky at places. Soda
Springs appears to be a healthy place and pleasant during the
summer, there is no flies or musguetos, Bear river affords
plenty and the finest and largest Trout I ever saw. There is a
number of Soda springs, the water tastes very much like Soda
water."
On Friday, 13 Jul 1866, he arrived in Nevada City, Montana
Territory: "Arrived at Nevada City 8 A.M; how glad I
was, but I was disappointed not to meet my d. brother Charles at
my arrival, he was in a new mining camp 175 miles off; he was
expected back after a week." Later that week, "My
brother arrived at last how long the time did seem to me; our
joy was great, we had'n seen one an other for over 8 years.
We remained together for nearly two weeks, made a trip to
Helena City, a lively new mining Town, about 125 miles from
Nevada City."
By August of 1866 George was making use of the farm equipment he
had carried west in his wagon. "…we commenced haying, it
was bad mowing, the old grass had'n been burned up, our machine
troubled us considerable, we had several breackdowns. About the
20th of September we got done haying, had about 70, seventy tons
put up in good stacks."
One sad event clouded that first year on the Sunnyside Ranch.
"The 26 of December I was in Nevada City, had some letters
from home, "sad news" my dear noble father is no
more he died Nov. 6. 1866. I was somewhat prepaired for such
news; but alas they came to soon; I always had some hopes my
dear father would live to see my brother Charles, how hard the
news was for my brother; how grateful & and thankful I am I
was at home."
The US Census for 1870 shows all (3) brothers, George,
Charles and Frank (aka Gottlob) all living together in Virginia
City, Montana Territory. This is not far from the ranch property
in Madison County. Their ages range from 36 to 31 in 1870. All
unmarried.
1890 - Marriage: On the 18th of December, 1890 George
(the oldest) and Frank (the youngest) had a double wedding at
the ranch on the Big Hole River in Madison County, Montana.
George married Anna Schmid, also born in Stuttgart and recently
arrived. Brother Charles and his wife, Emily, were witnesses.
Charles had married previously, in England in 1877.
An 1891 Civil War Pension file lists George as an 'Invalid'.
An unknown war injury has apparently caused him to apply. In the
diary, there are at least 2-3 mentions of a foot/leg injury that
caused him to either ride in an ambulance or do light duty while
the injury healed. He did use a cane in his later years.
Here is confirmation of his war-related injury:
The Dillon Tribune, Feb 4, 1916, Pg. 4 Image 4
This was written two years before George's death in 1918.
Colonel [actually Sgt.] George W. Beehrer, a well-known pioneer
of Glen, recently spent a few days in Dillon, visiting friends
and attending to business matters. Col. Beehrer is well-known
here, although he has not been to town in some years, being
quite lame from wounds received in the Civil War. Mr.
Beehrer is one of that fast diminishing throng of brave heroes
who risked life and all to keep their beloved Union intact. Col.
Beehrer, although a native of Germany, has a splendid education
in the English language. At the time of his enlistment, (in
1861) [actually 1863], he commenced keeping a diary, and though
he saw much hard service and rough weather, he never neglected
the diary, but adhered to his task with characteristic German
perseverance, and kept it all through and for a long time after
the war. The Tribune representative was granted by Col. Beehrer
the privilege, and pleasure of reading this literary work, which
is intensely interesting, and which no doubt will be put before
the reading public at some future time, but like many brave men,
Mr. Beehrer is quite modest, and does not care to be in the
public eye. Aside from physical incapacity the old gentleman
is, at the age of 82, like a man in the prime of life. His mind
is brilliant, and his memory wonderful. He reads the daily
papers, is well informed on all current topics, and is always
ready for fun. For almost half a century he has lived near
Glen station, Montana with his two brothers, Frank and Charley,
who are also respected pioneers of Montana. Charles Beehrer is
the last living man who took the oath of the Vigilantes of
Montana.
1900 and 1910 US Censuses show all (3) brothers and their
families living next door to one another on ranch properties. By
1900, George had 2 children, Julie and Katie; Charles had no
children; and Frank had four children, Carl, Louise, Martha and
Frank Jr.
Brother Gottlob (Frank Sr.) died in 1917 from chronic nephritis
and uremic poisoning at age 79. George died on the ranch, age
84, on 10 Aug 1918. His death certificate specifies heart
issues. His wife had died from TB in 1908. Charles, the last of
the brothers to pass, died in 1929 at the age of 91. All three,
plus their wives and children, have Findagrave memorials. Click
on family members, below.
OBITUARY
The Dillon Tribune, August 16, 1918, Page 1, Image 1
GEORGE W. BEEHRER GOES TO REWARD
One of Beaverhead's Best Known Pioneers Passes Away
"The many friends of George W. Beehrer were shocked to
learn of his sudden death at his home near Reichle last Saturday
morning. Friday afternoon Mr. Beehrer was in the best of health
but towards evening was afflicted with a severe attack of heart
trouble. Everything possible was done to relieve his condition,
but he gradually sank lower and the end came peacefully at about
two o'clock Saturday morning. He was conscious until a few hours
before the end and stated that for him death had no terrors.
In the passing of Mr. Beehrer there is removed from our midst
one of the fine old figures of early-day history. Mr. Beehrer
was born in Stuttgart, Germany, April 24, 1834, and came to this
country when a young man. When the Civil War broke out he was
among the first to enlist and joined a company of California
cavalry. He sailed from San Francisco, crossed the Isthmus of
Panama, and sailed to Boston, from which place he went with
other cavalry troops to the scene of the war. He served the
entire period of the war with an honorable record and was
mustered out in Boston with the rank of sergeant in 1865. One of
the interesting features of his army life was that he kept an
accurate record of his daily events while in the army. This
diary is still preserved and is of novel interest. Upon
receiving his discharge, he returned to Germany for a short
visit at his old home after which he crossed the plains and came
to the lower Big Hole near the present site of Reichle in 1866,
where he took up a ranch and has made his home there ever since.
About 30 years ago [Dec 18 1890] he was married to Miss Anna
Schmidt [Correct: Schmid] to which union three children were
born, one of whom died in infancy. Mrs. Beehrer passed away
about 12 years ago [7 Feb 1908 of TB]. Mr. Beehrer is survived
by his two daughters, Miss Julia Beehrer [m. Colyer] and Mrs.
Neil Cummins [Louise], and by his brother Charles A. Beehrer who
is the last survivor of the active Vigilantes of Montana.
Another brother, Gottlob [Frank Sr.], passed away last summer
[28 Jun 1917].
Mr. Beehrer was highly educated and of gentle and courteous
manners. His keen sense of humor and his interesting manner of
speech [probably a heavy German accent], and his generous heart
made him loved and respected by his scores of friends.
The funeral services were conducted at the ranch home near
Reichle on Sunday afternoon by the Rev. F. Treiber of Twin
Bridges. Mr. Beehrer was a lifelong member of the Lutheran
church. The attendance of the great number of friends from his
home community and from Butte, Dillon and Twin Bridges, as well
as the beautiful floral offerings, bore witness of the esteem in
which he was held. The remains were forwarded to Butte and on
Monday afternoon were interred beside the grave of his departed
wife, many old soldiers following their comrade to his last
earthly resting place. The flag draped his casket and a member
of the national guard sounded the soldier's bugle call."
A pioneer life well and truly lived.
The Twin Bridges MT Historical Society and Museum has a wealth
of information on this family, including photographs. The museum
is a treasure and well worth a visit in a beautiful part of
Montana's mountains.
My thanks to Findagrave Contributor 'Twin of an Angel'
#46838657, who helped me look up information for this bio. Her
help was much appreciated.
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