Civil War Union Army Officer. He was a successful Buck County, Pennsylvania miller when the Civil War began. He recruited a company of cavalry from Bucks and Montgomery Counties, and offered their service first to Pennsylvania, then to New Jersey. They were accepted by Colonel William Halsted, who was recruiting what would become the 1st New Jersey Volunteer Cavalry. Commissioned Captain on August 5, 1861, John H. Shelmire's men would be mustered in as Company A with him commanding. He led his troopers until February 10, 1863, when he was promoted to Major, Field and Staff. He served in that duty until June 9, 1863, when he was killed in action at the Battle of Brandy Station, Virginia. He lies buried in Culpeper National Cemetery next to Lieutenant Colonel Virgil Brodrick, who was in command of the 1st New Jersey at Brandy Station, and who also fell in the engagement.
Civil War Union Army Officer. He was a successful Buck County, Pennsylvania miller when the Civil War began. He recruited a company of cavalry from Bucks and Montgomery Counties, and offered their service first to Pennsylvania, then to New Jersey. They were accepted by Colonel William Halsted, who was recruiting what would become the 1st New Jersey Volunteer Cavalry. Commissioned Captain on August 5, 1861, John H. Shelmire's men would be mustered in as Company A with him commanding. He led his troopers until February 10, 1863, when he was promoted to Major, Field and Staff. He served in that duty until June 9, 1863, when he was killed in action at the Battle of Brandy Station, Virginia. He lies buried in Culpeper National Cemetery next to Lieutenant Colonel Virgil Brodrick, who was in command of the 1st New Jersey at Brandy Station, and who also fell in the engagement.
