African American Civil War Veterans

Naval Service Units

• Auter, James M.
  Service:  Landsman, USS State of Georgia; landsman, USS Bermuda
  Burial Location:  Lincoln Cemetery, Penbrook, Dauphin County
  Notes:  NPS records show Auter was born in Petersburg, Virginia, age 17 at enlistment, occupation: barber; complexion: mulatto; height: 5'8".  He enlisted on November 27, 1863 in Philadelphia for a single term.  Auter served from December 7, 1863 on the State of Georgia, and on July 27, 1865 was transferred to the Bermuda. 

  Born circa 1846, Auter, according to Harrisburg historian Calobe Jackson, Jr., "later married Jane Chester's daughter and played Santa Claus at Governor's office. He was commander of GAR Post 527 for many years. He led post in parade at Verbeke's funeral. His house at 154 Balm was recently restored and may be listed on register of historic places." (email, Calobe Jackson, Jr. to Afrolumens Project, March 27, 2005).

• Tall, George F.
  Service:  Landsman, USS Cactus
  Burial Location: Lebanon Cemetery, Chambersburg, Franklin County
  Died: May 8, 1918 at age 80.
  Notes: Tombstone notes "U.S. Navy." NPS records show a George Tall, born in Maryland; age 23; complexion, negro; enlistment at Baltimore on April 23, 1864, for 3 years; rating, landsman (commonly assigned to African American new recruits); assigned to the vessel Cactus.

Sources

Pennsylvania African Americans in the Civil War -- Main Page