My book, BROTHERS in ARMS, Civil War Freemasons buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo, NY is a product of my historical research. These biographies that I created are some of the earlier posting on from our American Military Freemason - Facebook group site.

PHILIP J. SCHMAHL, Corporal / Captain

(1844-1906)

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He was born Philip Jacob Schmahl on January 11, 1844, in Buffalo, NY. He was the son of Maria Eva Erbes and Christopher Schmahl.

Philip was raised in Buffalo and had a basic education being schooled in public schools.

Prior to 1860, Philip was employed as a blacksmith.

In 1860, at the age of 16 years, Philip enlisted to serve with Company H, 65th NY Militia in Buffalo, NY.

It was about this time that he was known or was being called by his middle name “Jacob”, and dropped the use of Philip.

CIVIL WAR

In 1861, Jacob’s father Christopher was already serving with the 16th US Infantry, and 3 of his 5 brothers’, were also serving in the Union army.

In 1862, Jacob married Emma V (last name unknown); they would have 9 children together.

Also in 1862, Jacob’s father Christopher had died in Buffalo, NY (he died in military service).

In early June 1863, all of NY State Militias were called into active military service and were converted from Militia to the NY National Guards.

Jacob was promoted to Corporal in Company H, 65th NY NG.

In mid-June 1863, Jacob unit the 65th NY & the 74th NY National Guard regiments from Buffalo were called into service (100 DAYS), and were ordered to assemble and leave for Harrisburg, PA (for the Gettysburg Campaign); giving assistance to the Volunteer troops engaging the rebel army.

By the end of June 1863, the 65th and 74th NY National Guards were guarding trestles, railroad bridges and crossing, protecting them from harm, from the rebel army in that part of the state during the Gettysburg Campaign.

A week after the battle of Gettysburg, the 65th & 74th NY National Guards were sent to NY City to assist in taming the Draft Riots of 1863, in NYC.

In August 1863, after their 100 days of active service, the 65th & 74th NY National Guards returned to Buffalo, NY.

In October 1863, the 65th & 74th NY National Guards were both called back into active service (100 days); this time taking an active role in protecting Buffalo and Niagara Falls, and dealing with the Draft Riots in Buffalo; and in December 1863, both the 65th & 74th NY National Guard units were standing down, on their active service; but played a less active role in protecting the Western NY area.

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FREEMASONRY

Jacob was a Freemason.

It isn’t known when or where Jacob was raised a Master Mason. It is believed that brother Jacob was a member of Concordia Lodge # 143 (not confirmed).

Brother Jacob was also a member of the Lake Erie Commandry, Knights Templar.

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POST WAR

In the years following the civil war, Jacob continued to serve with the 65th NY National Guard, and served as a Captain, until he retired from active military service (date unknown).

Prior to 1870, Jacob and his wife Emma, (after 6 or 8 years) divorced.

The GRAND ARMY of the REPUBLIC

Jacob was a member of the GAR, Chapin Post # 2 in Buffalo, NY; and took an active role with many of his former civil war veterans, with parades and services.

OTHER ASSOCIATIONS

Jacob was also a member of the Crescent Lodge, Order of Odd Fellows in Buffalo.

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HIS LATER YEARS

In 1870, Jacob married Rose Freezer; they would later have 6 (more) children together.

In 1870’s, Jacob was listed as being a Copper & Tin Smith.

About the early 1880’s, Jacob’s wife Rose had died (date unknown).

About the late 1880’s, Jacob married Christina Staiger.

In 1900, Jacob was listed as being a dealer of Tin & sheet metal.

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On July 7, 1906 at the age of 70 years, brother Jacob died from a paralysis from a stroke, at his home in Buffalo, NY.

Brother Jacob was laid to rest in Section 14, at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo, NY.

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