Born on June 16, 1839, in Amsterdam, Holland, Huiskamp sailed on board the ship Cotton Planter from Rotterdam and arrived in the United States in 1848. He became a naturalized citizen in Keokuk, Iowa, in October 1860.

When the Civil War began, Huiskamp enlisted in Company A, 1st Iowa Cavalry on June 13, 1861, and was mustered into service the following month.

The 1st Iowa participated in General John C. Fremont’s recapture of Springfield, Missouri, in October 1861, then took part in scout and patrol duties and fought a number of skirmishes in Missouri in 1862. The 1st was present at the Battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, in December 1862.
Commissioned a second lieutenant in the 6th Missouri Cavalry in early 1863, Huiskamp joined Company D and was promoted to captain in January 1864. The 6th served in the Vicksburg and Red River campaigns and in various operations in Arkansas and Missouri. Huiskamp served as a staff officer in St. Louis during the latter half of 1864, and was mustered out that December.

Huiskamp returned to Iowa following the war and opened a boot and shoe factory in Fort Madison. He eventually relocated to California, where his occupation was listed as “capitalist” on his passport application. Huiskamp died on October 26, 1913 (some sources state October 28), in Weisbaden, Germany, while on a trip with his wife to visit relatives. He is buried in the Santa Barbara Cemetery.

Carte-de-Visite by Troxell and Brother, St. Louis.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 31823