Four Easton Brothers in the Civil War

Daniel Dachrodt Later in Life Posing with his Civil War Drum

John Dachrodt, a butcher in early Easton, and his wife, Julia, were the proud parents of three daughters and six sons.  Four of their boys are documented as serving in the Union Army during the Civil War. All four returned safely to Easton where each worked as a butcher—following in their father’s footsteps.

William, the eldest son, volunteered for a nine month enlistment in October of 1862. He was a Private in the 153^rd Pennsylvania Volunteers, Company E and served until July of 1863. In September of that same year, William re-enlisted for a three year period. He joined the 180^th Regulars, Company C of the 19^th
Cavalry. He was mustered out in May of 1866 and returned to Easton where he opened a butcher shop at 237 Northampton Street.

Jacob Dachrodt was the most successful of the brothers. Eight days following the firing on Fort Sumter, he volunteered for three months and was elected Captain of the First Pennsylvania Volunteers, Company B of the Infantry serving until July, 1861. When President Lincoln called for additional troops, Jacob re-enlisted on October 11, 1862 as a Lieutenant Colonel in the 153^rd Pennsylvania Volunteers. After being wounded at the Battle of Chancellorsville, he was discharged from the Army in July 1863. At that time, he returned to Easton and opened a butcher shop at 4^th and Ferry Streets in what is now known as the Parsons-Taylor House. He and his wife resided at 903 Northampton Street.  In 1886, Jacob campaigned as an Independent and won a seat in the Pennsylvania State Senate. He held this office from 1887 to 1890.

John, the fourth Dachrodt son, enlisted for a three month period in April, 1861. He was a Private in the First Pennsylvania Volunteers, Company B of the Infantry. This was the same regiment and company in which his brother, Jacob, was a Captain. He served until July 1861 also the same time span as his brother.  After the Civil War, he became a butcher in Easton.

Daniel, the fifth boy, joined Company H of the 47^th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry in August 1861 as a drummer in the regimental band.  Records indicate that Daniel re-enlisted in December 1862 and in less than a year, he was appointed “Principal Musician” of his regiment.  When Daniel was discharged in December 1865,   he returned to Easton.  He opened a butcher shop at 6^th and Northampton Streets and lived at 136 South 4^th Street. His last public concert with his drum was in August 1939.

-Submitted by Elaine Greek