b. Prussia, June 24, 1824
d. Salt Lake City, Utah, January 9, 1881

Charles Salomon was one of four brothers from Germany who distinguished themselves during the Civil War (Edward, Frederick, Charles, and Herman). He was appointed colonel of the 9th Wisconsin Infantry in August 1862 and commanded it through the remainder of the war. In contemporary records he is often called Eberhardt rather than Charles.

Early Life

Salomon was born in Prussia in 1824, received a military education, and was appointed an engineer in the Prussian army. During the German uprisings of 1848, he and his three brothers supported the democratic revolution and had to flee the country when it was suppressed by the crown. Salomon came to the United States in 1848, settling in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

Civil War Service

In May 1861, Charles Salomon and his brothers Frederick and Herman enlisted in the Missouri Volunteers. He was appointed colonel of the 5th Missouri Infantry and led them at the Battle of Carthage, Missouri, in July 1861. In September 1862 Charles succeeded his brother Frederick as colonel of the 9th Wisconsin Infantry.

For the next six months Salomon's regiment made forays into neighboring parts of Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri. He led them in the battles at Newtonia, Missouri (September 29 and October 2, 1862) and Prairie Grove, Arkansas (December 7, 1862). The following year he commanded them at Helena, Arkansas (July 4, 1863) and in 1864 provided reinforcements as Union troops withdrew from the disastrous Red River Expedition. At the battle of Jenkins Ferry on April 30, 1864, he commanded the entire 1st Brigade when its general was wounded.

Salomon was mustered out on November 17, 1864, and for his service was brevetted brigadier general on March 13, 1865. He died while visiting his brother Frederick in Salt Lake City, Utah, in January 1881.

Links to Learn More

• View Original Documents Relating to Gen. Charles Salomon

• 1927 Proclamation by Gov. Zimmerman Commemorating the Salomon Brothers

[Source: Quiner, E.B. The Military History of Wisconsin (Chicago, 1866); E.B. Quiner Scrapbooks, vol. 8, pages 59-60; Salt Lake Weekly Tribune, January 15, 1881. ]