author
Frederick Phisterer
1836–1909
A decorated Civil War officer and meticulous military historian, he turned battlefield experience into reference works that generations of researchers have used. His writing is especially valued for documenting New York's role in the war with unusual depth and precision.
1 Audiobook
About the author
Born in Stuttgart in 1836, he emigrated to the United States and built a remarkable career as both a soldier and a writer. He served in the Union Army during the Civil War and received the Medal of Honor for bravery at the Battle of Stones River on December 31, 1862.
After the war, he became closely associated with New York's military administration and historical record-keeping. He is best remembered as the compiler of New York in the War of the Rebellion, 1861 to 1865, a major work that helped preserve detailed information about the state's troops, regiments, and service in the conflict.
His books and statistical compilations reflect the same qualities that marked his military service: discipline, accuracy, and persistence. For listeners interested in Civil War history, his work offers both firsthand connection to the era and a careful effort to organize its enormous human and military story.