Sheboygan Press
October 28, 1947

Wisconsin's "Boys in Blue" have been reduced to three with the passing of the state's oldest Civil War veteran, Col. Charles L. Hooker, on Sunday. He will be buried with military services at 2 o'clock Thursday afternoon in the family plot at Lake Nebagamon.

Many Sheboygan residents who recall various Grand Army of the Republic encampments in past years will no doubt recall the Wisconsin veteran. He attended all encampments here and was state commander of the G.A.R. when he arrived here from Superior in 1944.

Col. Hooker was never sure of his age but whether 108 or 107 he was nevertheless the oldest Civil War veteran of the state. His service record states that he was born on April 3, 1939, while the family Bible has 1840 as his birth date in New York state. Only surviving veterans now are Lansing Wilcox, 102, of Cadott, the state commander; Josia Cass, 101 of Eau Claire; and Ansel Goolsby of Chetek, 100.

Charles L. Hooker served in Co. H, 5th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry (Reorganized); enlisted at Empire, W, on Sept. 1, 1864. Promoted to Corporal; Mustered out on June 20, 1865. He fought at the battles of Petersburg and Sailor's Creek, VA.

During his Civil War service, Col. Hooker served more than four years which included action under Gen. George Custer and Gen. William T. Sherman. He was with Sherman on the latter's famed march from Atlanta to the sea. Custer conferred the honorary rank of colonel upon him when Hooker took over command of a unit after a colonel had been killed in action. He earned several medals for gallantry in action.

Until 1932, he had lived in northeastern Wisconsin, at which time he moved to Virginia, Minn., to be with his son, C.L. Hooker. He died Sunday in that city. Surviving are two sons, two daughters, 18 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Sources used:

Winnebago County Historical Society - Janet Eiler
Wisconsin Rosters - War of the Rebellion
1890 Veterans Schedules
Federal Census 1860 - 1930

Researched and submitted by Bro. Vince Barker

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