August 2,1861 Charles Pooch volunteers for civil war service

Charles Pooch was age 24 (almost 25) when he volunteered for service at Wautoma in the 7th Wisconsin Infantry Company I.  It was on  Friday, August 2, 1861that Charles began four years of participation in the American Civil War. He would be mustered in during September, 1861. More on this later.

The 1861 Wisconsin State of Mind

Why did the Pooch brothers enlist to take part in the Civil War?   It is challenging to find specific information on the way of life in the Wautoma area as the summer of 1861 moved toward September. It can likely be assumed that the news coming back from Regiments already in the War was of great interest. As for the wider issues developing in Wisconsin we can depend on scholars like Michael McManus to be of assistance.

"Political Abolitionism in Wisconsin 1840-1861" by McManus presents the case for Wisconsin being more radical on slavery and racial issues that most northern states. The struggle to free enslaved blacks was highlighted by the Dred Scott case. There was concern over the spread of slavery into the Western Territories. In addition there was anxiety about the possible loss of liberties if the Confederacy did prevail.  Interest in these issues had been growing for a number of years according to McManus. The many community newspapers, including the Wautoma Journal, would have made public these and other concerns.

Written by Delton Krueger