Frank Luke's Civil War Grandfather?

[Ritterton]

Almost hate to start this thread, as I fear maybe this is answered elsewhere but my searching efforts have not found the answer, but here it goes.

Norman Franks' American Aces notes that Frank Luke's grandfather had served in the Union Army during the Civil War. Pg 73.

Here is my question, what was his name and his regiment? The implication is that he was German, and there were very specific German regiments organized for the Union. I manage a website about one of those (74th PA Volunteers - First German). Thus the curiousity and question.

Thanks in advance.

R

[TomVrille]

As it happens, I have just been reading Terror of the Autumn Skies, and this geneaology question is addressed in chapter 2. Frank's grandfather was born Lorenzo Luecke. He emigrated to the US from Prussia, shortened his first name to Lorenz, and adopted the more Anglo-sounding surname of Luke. He enlisted initially in the 14th New York Cavalry Regiment in 1862, under the assumed name of Frederick Russell, where he had a brief and rather lackluster career. When his enlistment was up, he reenlisted under his given name, ostensibly to collect a signing bounty, and was attached to the 7th New York Infantry Regiment in 1864.

[Ritterton]

Originally Posted by TomVrille

As it happens, I have just been reading Terror of the Autumn Skies, and this geneaology question is addressed in chapter 2. Frank's grandfather was born Lorenzo Luecke. He emigrated to the US from Prussia, shortened his first name to Lorenz, and adopted the more Anglo-sounding surname of Luke. He enlisted initially in the 14th New York Cavalry Regiment in 1862, under the assumed name of Frederick Russell, where he had a brief and rather lackluster career. When his enlistment was up, he reenlisted under his given name, ostensibly to collect a signing bounty, and was attached to the 7th New York Infantry Regiment in 1864.

Tom,

Thanks for this additional information. Once I had which grandfather, it was a lot easier to find in the Civil War Soldiers and Sailors database. I can't post a link to that, but if interested let me know. Also, in looking things over, the 7th NY Infantry Regiment formed in 1864 was a bit more experienced than "new regiments" in that it was a Veterans Volunteer regiment. He may have signed for a bonus, not able to tell. He joined Company B in that sometimes designated 7 NYVVs and then may have seen some pretty tough spots. The engagements this regiment saw in the last year of the Civil War had more in common with the trenches his grandson flew over 50+ years later than earlier Civil War battlefields. Here is the "official history" synopsis of the 7th NY VV [Source is the NY State Military Museum's website - again, can't post the link! ]

Interesting connection. Be interesting to see if Lorenzo Luke filed a pension application as well, for it would reveal a lot about the experiences of this immigrant that fought for the Union. One of thousands.

Here is that synopsis of the regiment.

The following is taken from The Union army: a history of military affairs in the loyal states, 1861-65 -- records of the regiments in the Union army -- cyclopedia of battles -- memoirs of commanders and soldiers. Madison, WI: Federal Pub. Co., 1908.
Seventh Veteran Infantry.—Col. George W. Von Schack was authorized on May 6, 1863, to reorganize the 7th regiment and it was again mustered into the U. S. service early in the spring of 1864. For a time before the regimental organization was. complete several companies were attached to the 52nd N. Y., a notable fighting regiment. It was assigned to the 3d brigade, 1st division, 2nd corps and joined the Army of the Potomac before the Wilderness campaign in which it participated through all the weeks of constant fighting leading up to Petersburg. During the siege of Petersburg it saw. much active service, being engaged in the assaults at Petersburg in June, at the Weldon railroad, Deep Bottom, Strawberry plains, Reams' station, Hatcher's run, Fort Stedman, White Oak road, the final assault and the closing battles of the pursuit. The regiment was mustered out at Hart's island, N. Y., Aug. 4, 1865, having lost 50 members by death from wounds, and 53 by death from other causes.