My Genealogy Hound

AUGUSTUS H. COLEMAN (deceased), a son of Dr. Asa Coleman, whose biography appears in this work, was born in Troy Oct. 29, 1829. He received his elementary education in the schools of Troy; was remarkably quiet and orderly in his deportment, always perfect in his recitations and accomplished thoroughly whatever he undertook; he exhibited, even in his youthful days, that spirit of manliness and energy of character which so distinguished his life in after years. In June, 1847, he entered the Military Academy at West Point, where he pursued his studies for four years. At the close of his course, he returned home and engaged in agricultural pursuits. On the breaking-out of the war of the rebellion, he enlisted as a private soldier, and recruited a company of over 100 men, in forty-eight hours, with whom he proceeded to Columbus April 26, 1861; he was chosen Captain of the company, and upon the organization of the 11th O. V. I., was elected Major of the same, and promoted to Lieutenant Colonel Jan. 9, 1862. The fine discipline and great proficiency in drill of this regiment was obtained through him as Drill-Master. It has been said that he could maneuver a regiment in less space than most officers required for company drill; he was always vigilant and watchful against danger, but brave to a fault. Being in Washington on business for the regiment, he knew nothing of the movement of the brigade to Bull Run, Aug. 27, 1862, till his return to camp. With all possible haste, he joined his regiment, finding the men in considerable confusion. His arrival was hailed with a hearty cheer from his men, who were more rejoiced at his presence than if re-enforced by a thousand strangers. At South Mountain, he displayed the ability and bravery of a successful commander, and his prospects for advancement to a high position brightened every day. But his career was destined to an early close. At the battle of Antietam, on the ever-memorable 17th of September, 1862, at the superior command, “Forward! Assault the bridge and carry it at all hazards,” forward they moved, with Col. Coleman in advance of his men, cheering them on, and, closing up their broken ranks, he fell with his face to the foe, mortally wounded, And now
“He sleeps his last sleep; he has fought his last battle,
He ne’er shall awaken to glory again.”
Peace be to his memory! He fills the honored grave of a patriot soldier, and his noblest monument is the affectionate remembrance of brave men. He was married to Miss Clara, daughter of Eckert Shafer; two children were the result of this union—Rachel Augusta and George Edwin.