The National tribune., 1883-06-21
A cHECkERED CAREER.
The Strange Adventures Of Brave Veteran OF
the var.

Comrade John E. German, of Kit Carson
Post, No. p G. A. r.. of this city, whe died at
his residence on Capitol Hill May 31st had an
eventful life. He was born in Boston. Mass,
in 1912. His parents soon after removed to the
city of New York, where John became mes
scnger boy in the office of the late Hon. Fer
nando Wood, then Mayor of New York. In
this capacity he remained three years, when,
seized by an uncomfortable spirit Of adventure,
doubtless fostered by listening TO tales Of travel
rehearsed in his hearing by visitors at the
mayors office, he, III company with u lad of his
own age seventeen ran away from home, and
shipped on board merehantman bound for
China. The vessel after eneoRntering heavy
gales III the Indian Ocean, was wrecked on the
coast of Australia.
The officers and crew separated, and young
German found employment as Il herdsmaB.
Not liking this, he left aud made his way to
the gold diggings, whence, after q few months
of iraitiess toll, he returned to Melbourne and
enlisted Tor one year in the colonial army. On
the expiration Of his term of service he shipped
us a sailor before the mast on an American
merchantmen bound for China. After visiting
several ports in China, Japan, and other for
eign countries, he returned to America Ia 1851
arriving a few weeks before the outbreak Of the
rebellion. Remaining with his relatives but
two weeks, he enlisted April Il, 1861, Ia the
navy, shipping ON United States gunbGat PEN
gum, which soon after sailed for the Florida
coast. On the expiration of his term Of service
in the navy he enlisted in the One Hundred
and Sixty ninth New York infantry, which
soon after moved to the Potomac, and eneamped
near Washington.
Here young German was detached for duty
in the Office of the commander of a military
prison in Georgetown ID. c., called Forrest Hall.
The prison was filled with bounty jumpers,
deserters, and desperate characters of the Union
Army who would stop at no crime to gain their
liberty. One night soldier of the guard over
heard plan of escape being discussed, and at
once informed German. who, on passing around
TO the rear of the building, was confronted by
an escaped prisoner powerful fellow, who had
let himself down TO the ground from the second
story and was making for the street. Unde-
tered by the superior size and strength of the
man, Goraan engaged him at once, and des-
perate fight ensued, in which the latter was
badly injured. Having succeeded III getting
German down, the brute stamped and kicked
him until, after breaking his ribs and injuring
him internally, he made his escape.
From this injury he never recovered, al
though he afterwards reioined his regiment,
whence he was detailed at division heaiquar-
tiers and thence TO the Adjutant Generals
Office in this city in July, 1864, where he has
remained until obliged TO relinquish his posi-
ton by his failing health
During his term of service in the Adjutant
Generals Office he greatly endeared himself to
his associates by his manly and generous char
acter. In February last, finding that his dis
ease had gained sach foothold that recovery
was impossible, he left the Office AID went TO
the snug little home ne had built for himself
on Capitol Hill, Co await the coming of the
grim messenger of death. Here, surrounded
by friends and blessed by the tender ministra-
lions of his devoted wife, he fingered until the
last day of May, when he breathed his last.
He was member of Kit Carson Post, No 2, q.
A. B., and George C. Whiting Lodge F. A. A, NJ,
Lafayette r. A. Chapter, and Columbia Com
mandery, Ne. 2, *. T. In all the relations of
life it may be truly ssid of John Z. German
that he was one of natures noblemen. Stnss
pelfr ct Sails reproehS.