Anton Dost

Anton was born ca. 1831 in the village of Oberlungwitz, Chemnitzer Land County, Kingdom of Saxony.

When he enlisted in 1861, he stood 5'6.25", had a healthy complexion, brown eyes and brown hair. He had worked as a tailor in Philadelphia. Recruited by Capt. V. Hartung, he mustered into service on 5 August 1861 for three years as a private. He was promoted to corporal on the 5th February 1862. He was discharged from the regiment while in hospital at Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Maryland. He saw action at Cross Keys.

He married, probably in Boston before the War, Mary who also was from Saxony. They had three boys - Gustav, Theodore, and Herman. A girl Hedwig (Hettie) was born in 1862 while he was in the Army. Family stories tell how Mary rowed down the Delaware to show him his baby girl at Fort Mifflin. Although, the evidence only shows he was discharged while at Fort McHenry. He was discharged from the unit after a lengthy period in the hospital at Ft. McHenry in Baltimore.

He lived in Philadelphia all his life and died in Nov 1903. He had the asthma all his life. It seems he smoked Jimson Weed that he got at the Pharmacy to alleviate symptoms. He continued to work as a tailor when he could. The later census lists his occupation as a liquor dealer.

For those wanting to exchange information about Anton, please contact Ed Hines. The picture is one of Anton in his uniform and the Company ‘A’ can be clearly seen on his kepi.

Here is what Bret has down for Corporal Dost:

Dost, Anton (576) – Born November 1830 in the village of Oberlungwitz, Chemnitzer Land Kreise, Kingdom of Saxony; immigrated in 1852; U.S. naturalization declaration of intent 3 October 1863 in the United States District Court in Philadelphia; resident in 1880 of 259 Susquehanna Avenue, Philadelphia; and resident in 1900 of 3043 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia. In 1861 Dost stood 5'6.25", had an healthy complexion, brown eyes and brown hair. Employed in 1860 as a tailor, and in 1880 as a liquor dealer. Married in 1853 to Mary P. (b. February 1833 in Saxony); five children: Herman (b. December 1855 in Philadelphia), and Hedwiga (1861 in Philadelphia). Mustered in 5 August 1861 for three years as a Private at Philadelphia, by Captain Adolf von Hartung; promoted 5 February 1862 to Corporal; discharged in hospital at Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Maryland. Saw action at Cross Keys. Filed invalid pension application number 192380 in 27 April 1874 (certificate number 304328).