Frederick William Schaurte, a native of Cologne, Prussia, was born on December 3, 1836. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on November 13, 1854, in Baltimore, Maryland, and was assigned to Company G, 2nd U.S. Infantry. Promoted to corporal in December 1855 and to first sergeant in November 1856, Schaurte served out his five-year enlistment, then re-enlisted in Company G at Fort Riley, Kansas, in October 1859. He served with Company G until he was discharged on October 1, 1861, as a first sergeant. Schaurte’s performed well in the Regular Army. The former adjutant of the 2nd U.S. Infantry recommended him for a commission in the Regulars, noting, “I know of no non-commissioned officer better qualified, by acquirements, by education and by experience. . .than yourself.”

In October 1861, Schaurte was mustered into service as a first lieutenant in Company I (later redesignated Company F), 6th Kansas Cavalry. Promoted to captain of the company in March 1862, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the 2nd U.S. Cavalry in June 1862. Stationed at Forts Leavenworth, Riley and Scott, Schaurte and his company also participated in the Federal expedition into Indian Territory led by Colonel William Phillips, and fought at Locust Grove.

Mustered out of the 6th Kansas, Schaurte joined the 2nd Cavalry at Fort Union, New Mexico, then led his company to Washington, D.C. Appointed the lieutenant colonel of the 2nd Indian Home Guards in December 1862, he traveled west again in early 1863. Schaurte served with the 2nd until he was mustered out in May 1865. The 2nd Indian Home Guards saw extensive service in the Indian Territory, including the Battle of Honey Springs on July 17, 1863. Schaurte received brevet promotions to captain, major and lieutenant colonel in the Regular Army in March 1865 for gallant and meritorious services during the Civil War.

After the war, Schaurte remained in the Regular Army. Promoted to captain in the 2nd U.S. Cavalry in August 1866, he resigned in May 1867. Schaurte then worked in St. Louis as an inspector of the U.S. Post Office. He moved to California about 1897, and died on December 2, 1910, in Santa Ana, California. He is buried in St. Louis.

Crete-de-Vistie by unknown photographer.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 31893