By Koltin Massie
Two Civil War CDV Images of C. H. Bassett who served a Union Soldier in the 16th Wisconsin Company E. The image on the left image was signed by Bassett the right image was unsigned with no identification or clues. (Left image courtesy of Wisconsin Historical Society) (Right Image Courtesy of Koltin Massie)
AI technology continues to be a hot topic in media headlines and discussions worldwide. Its rapid development and integration into various aspects of our lives have raised important questions and debates about its impact on society, ethics, economy, and even the future of work. From advancements in machine learning and natural language processing to the ethical considerations surrounding AI applications, there's a lot to unpack and explore in this evolving field. AI technology is quite literally changing history both present and past. Programs like Civil War Photo Sleuth uses these new technologies to preserve and re-discover lost history. Photo Sleuth is indeed a remarkable tool, particularly for enthusiasts and historians interested in identifying individuals in antique photographs, such as Civil War Soldier images. By leveraging advanced facial recognition and historical data with the help of other historians, Photo Sleuth has enabled researchers to uncover the stories behind these once-unidentified individuals and connect them with their names and histories.
Captain C. H. Bassett is just one example of how technology like Photo Sleuth can bridge the gap between past and present, shedding light on the lives and contributions of individuals who may have been forgotten or overlooked. This not only adds richness to our understanding of history but also honors the sacrifices and experiences of those who lived through significant events like the Civil War.
Captain Bassetts story is truly amazing enlisting in the 16th Wisconsin Infantry Co E in 30 Sep 1861as a 5th Corporal. During the Civil War Charles would find himself in many large notable battles including Shiloh and Corinth. At Shiloh the 16th Wisconsin suffered immense casualties losing all six of its color bearers. They were the first to discover the Confederate sneak attack. Lieutenant Colonel Cassius Fairchild was wounded at the outset. Colonel Benjamin Allen of Pepin, Wisconsin, had two horses shot from under him. Over the course of the battle of Shiloh, 265 soldiers from the 16th were killed. Despite the massive casualty's the Union would hold off the Confederate sneak attack. Bassett would live to fight another day. Following Shiloh and Corinth Charles would find himself headed towards Vicksburg, Mississippi. Engaging in activities in the vicinity, after the fall his regiment would regroup before heading east to march with General Sherman on his march through Georgia. Charles would receive his first promotion to the 1st Sergeant on April 12th, 1864 and soon received another promotion to 2nd Lt on May 3rd, 1864. Seeing action at Kennesaw mountain before another test of fate in the battle of Atlanta. A account from a fellow 16th Wisconsin Soldier referred to as "Cousin Tom" gives a play by play description to the scene then 2nd Lt. Bassett would have partake in on the 21st of July 1864.
"We did not start until 9 o’clock when we were ordered to fix bayonets and move forward at the double quick, which we did with a yell and the moment we reached the top of the small hill which covered us from their fire during the night, we found ourselves on a level field with nothing larger than a cornstalk for protection facing strong works which were filled with double our number of Rebels. But onward we went through the most murderous fire than any man were ever in, cutting our men down by the dozens, but we carried the works, jumping right in among them and charging some 50 rods after them with the 12th Wisconsin on our right. We captured 300 prisoners. The Rebels fought desperately, worthy of a better cause. Hardly any of them left their works until we had got within two or three rods of their works and many of them remained in their position until we compelled them to surrender.
After we pursued those who skedaddled, we returned and took possession of their works and commenced fixing them to suit ourselves. Then we started with 300 men in our regiment on the charge and in less time than it takes for me to write it down 98 of that number were killed and wounded. Our lieutenant colonel Thomas McMahon was badly wounded, and I helped to carry him from the field."
Within those 98 soldiers killed and wounded was Lt. Bassett. Fortunately his wounds would prove not fatal and he would rejoin his men and be promoted to Captain on January 19th, 1865. Following the Surrender of Confederate General Johnston the men of the 16th would be moved to Washington DC. Where they would remain in April of 1865. President Abraham Lincoln would be assassinated on the 15th of April shaking the Union to the core. Mourning of the President was feverish Ribbons and badges were made to commemorate and remember the late 16th President. The image recently identified as Bassett through the Civil War Photo Sleuth site shows him wearing a mourning ribbon of President Lincoln. The Image taken of Capt. Bassett was at Henry Ulke's studio in Washington D.C. The photo was taken between April 16th and 29th prior to the 16th Wisconsin Infantry being moved out of Washington to Richmond, VA. On the back It displays a green three cent Washington tax stamp and Ulke's studio back mark with the 1865 year at the bottom. The 16th Wisconsin would move to Kentucky and muster out at Louisville on July 12, 1865.
Lincoln Mourning Badge on Capt. Charles H. Bassett Uniform and Example of Lincoln Mourning Badge.
Following the Civil War Capt. Bassett moved to Nebraska and helped organize Filmore county and lay out the site of the city of Geneva. For eleven years he lived on Turkey creek east of Geneva and for seventeen years he resided in Geneva. In the early days his home was headquarters for the newly arrived settlers and he always retained the regard and esteem of the old settlers who knew him first and best. He was a member of the Geneva Grand Army post and the Knights of Pythias. He had recently been elected prelate of the latter order, a position he had filled for a number of years. Unfortunately, Bassett would pass away on Jan 10, 1898 he would die from apoplexy of the brain at 62 years old. He rest under a large gray marker in the Geneva Cemetery.
The Grave of Capt. Charles H. Bassett in Geneva, Nebraska (Courtesy of Finda Grave: Kathy_652)
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