SIPPEL, Charles P. - 1890 Bio (1840/1 - 1893)

SIPPEL, DIPPEL, LEISURE, CORNELL

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 8/25/2007 at 21:11:06

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 220-221

Charles P. SIPPEL, of Fairfield, Jefferson County, has been Clerk of the District Court since 1883, and during the seven years in which he has discharged the duties of that office, has won hosts of friends, alike for his courteous treatment and the able manner in which he fills the position. He is of German birth, and a son of Justus P. and Gertrude (DIPPEL) SIPPEL, who were also natives of the same country, and passed their entire lives in that land.

Our subject was born in the 3d of March, 1841 (sic - 1840 per his obituary), in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, and when a lad of sixteen years, bidding good-by to home and fatherland, he sailed for the New World, determined to try his fortune in the country of whose prospects and opportunities he had so often heard. He spent the succeeding year after his arrival in New York, and then went to Lebanon County, Pa., where he remained until the war. The condition of the slaves in the South appealed to his sympathies, and seeing that his country's honor and freedom were imperiled, he resolved to strike a blow in her defense. Enlisting in September, 1861, he was assigned to Company G., of the Ninety-third Pennsylvania Infantry, and served for three years, receiving his discharge in September, 1864. Soon after his enlistment he was made First Sergeant, and on the 27th of December, 1862, was commissioned Captain of Company G, with which he continued until mustering out of the service. His command became a part of the Army of the Potomac, and with that force participated in many important battles, including the engagements at Fair Oaks, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Seven Days Battle of the Wilderness, and the hard fought battle of Gettysburg. He was also under fire in most of the engagements from that time until the siege of Petersburg, including the battles of the Shenandoah Valley, the engagement at Winchester, September 19, 1864, and the battle of Fisher's Hill on the 21st of September. Nine days later, his term having expired, he was mustered out of the service. He was once slightly wounded, during the battle of Spottsylvania Court House, May 12, 1864, but otherwise escaped uninjured. He was always found at his post, leading his men where duty called, and proved his loyalty to his adopted land by his faithfulness, heroism and bravery.

On his return from the South, Mr. SIPPEL again located in Lebanon County, Pa., where he continued to make his home until the spring of 1869. That year witnessed his arrival in Jefferson County, and, embarking in farming, he continued that pursuit in Polk Township until 1879, when he was appointed Deputy Clerk of the District Court. Three years later, in the fall of 1882, he was elected to his present position, and entered upon the duties of his office January 1, 1883. Thrice has he been re-elected, and at the expiration of his present term will have held the office eight years. Faithful to every trust reposed in him, he has merited the confidence of the people, and has proved a worthy official.

In this county, on the 21st of September, 1871, Mr. SIPPEL led to the marriage altar Miss Sarah J. LEISURE, a daughter of James M. LEISURE, and a native of Greenfield, Ind. Three children have been born of their union, one son and two daughters: Maggie G., wife of A. U. CORNELL, of Fairfield; James Adolph and Lula, who are still at home. The parents and oldest daughter are members of the Christian Church, and the family is highly regarded by those who know them. In political sentiment, Mr. SIPPEL is a Republican. He takes great interest in civic societies, and is an influential member of several lodge organizations, including the Masonic, the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, and the Grand Army Post. His membership is with Clinton Lodge, No, 15, A. F. & A. M.; Jefferson Lodge, No. 4, I. O. O. F.; Forest City Lodge, No. 37, K. of P.; and George Strong Post, No. 19, G. A. R.

[Transcriber's note: The G.A.R. is the Grand Army of the Republic, the fore-runner of the American Legion.]

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.