Hugo Wangelin, a native of Prussia, immigrated to the United States in the 1830s. He joined the 12th Missouri Infantry on August 10, 1861 as the regiment’s major; the regiment was organized by Colonel Peter J. Osterhaus the same month. Wangelin was promoted to colonel on June 14, 1862, and assumed command of the regiment; he retained command of the 12th for the remainder of the war, but also commanded a brigade during the Chattanooga and Atlanta campaigns.

The 12th Missouri Infantry fought at Pea Ridge, Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Kennesaw Mountain, and Atlanta. Wangelin was severely wounded during an assault on Ringgold Gap, Georgia in late November 1863, resulting in the amputation of his right arm.

Colonel Wangelin mustered out with his regiment on October 18, 1864, and died in Belleville, Illinois, in 1883.

Carte-de-Visite by Hoelke & Benecke

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 11605