Shrouded Veterans: Brevet Brigadier General Samuel K. Schwenk
A veteran headstone was recently placed for Brevet Brigadier General Samuel K. Schwenk.
In August 1861, Schwenk left Dickinson Seminary his senior year and was appointed a first lieutenant in the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry.
On September 14, 1862, at the Battle of South Mountain, Schwenk was wounded in the ankle. Despite being scarcely able to walk, he fought at the Battle of Antietam three days later and was commended by Generals Orlando B. Willcox and Ambrose B. Burnside.
“At Campbell’s Station,” Schwenk’s brigade commander, Colonel Byron M. Cutcheon, wrote, “he behaved most bravely,” and during the siege of Knoxville was “especially distinguished for his coolness, prudent judgment, and determined gallantry, as well as professional skill in the construction of defences.”
Colonel Cutcheon said that at the Battle of the Wilderness, Schwenk’s “gallantry was conspicuous and remarked by all who witnessed it,” and at the Battle of Spotsylvania, “he greatly distinguished himself, so as to draw the attention and admiration of the whole brigade.”
Schwenk was severely wounded at the Battle of Cold Harbor when a ball entered his side, split a rib bone, and carried away a portion of a vertebra. An examining board pronounced him permanently disabled and issued an order that he be discharged. He fought, and succeeded, to have the order revoked and returned to active service.
He eventually rose to the rank of colonel and was breveted brigadier general “for skilled and meritorious services during the war.”
In 1866, Schwenk was appointed a first lieutenant in the 41st U.S. infantry and stationed at forts along the Texas frontier. In 1876, he retired when an examining board found that he was incapacitated for active service.
On April 10, 1915, Schwenk died at his home from complications brought on by an old wound. About six months prior, he suffered from pains in the left side, which gradually grew worse with time. He eventually succumbed. Schwenk was buried at Forest Hills Cemetery in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania.
Heck of a fighter to keep going after losing part of his spine. Question: what are the letters appearing after “Lt Col” on his headstone?
“F&S.” They stand “Field and Staff” which means the regiment’s upper commands (major, lieutenant colonel, or colonel)
Interesting. Thank you.
Thank you for your continued work to research, find, and mark these soldiers’ graves, Frank.
Frank, Schwenk’s willingness to endure several disabling wounds to continue his career provides an inspiring story. Thanks.
I have a wonderful collection of Schwenk’s insignia, photos and correspondence.
Wow, Paul, that sounds very interesting. I would love to purchase copies of anything easy to copy. I named my son after him.
Sorry I can’t edit my post but apparently as you noted, Gen Schwenk was indeed part of the Gettysburg Monument event.
I read somewhere that he laid the cornerstone to the PA. Moment at Gettysburg True?
General Grant chose Sam Schwenk and his regiment to represent all of the US Infantry at the ceremony for the laying of the cornerstone.
I’d be happy to post photos of the Schwenk material I have but I’m not sure how to do that on here. As for the future of the collection, I should look into the local historical societies. I might consider trading for militaria that is more in my collecting field or selling.
Actually, he was a member of the State of Pennsylvania Vicksburg Monument committee. I have a collection of General Schwenk’s Insignia, photos and letters that includes a large certificate signed by Pennsylvania Governor Pennypacker appointing Schwenk to the committee, a monument dedication ribbon and a letter from Teddy Roosevelt to Schwenk expressing regrets that he cannot attend the dedication ceremony. I don’t know if the Gettysburg monument anecdote is true. It may be a mixed up story confusing his involvement with the Vicksburg Monument.
Vicksburg was separate. I will have to search my files but there is a webpage out there where this was documented along with newspaper clippings and photos of the event.
Very interesting, Brian! I love how your last name evolved. And wow, do the Schwenks have a distinguished history of military service. Yours is very impressive, Brian.
Paul, any chance you can share photos of the materials you have? And what happens to them in the future? I hope they eventually find their way to an historical society. There are several very reputable ones in the area.
Well I’m almost certain this is my great great grandfather how amazing his birthdate is very close to my birthdate and I served 14 years active duty Army. I even went to Valley forge military college in Wayne PA. I’m medically retired from the Army now myself. I was also a First Sergeant at Fishburne military school which is also called the Long Grey Line and a regimental master sergeant of drill and ceremonies at Valley Forge.