Bell, Michael Everette. "Germans: 1674 -- ", (www.scencyclopedia.org, last updated - August 10, 2016.)
Ervin, Sara Sullivan. South Carolinians in the Revolution: With Service Records and Miscellaneous Records, (Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1965.)
Gongaware, George J. The History of The German Friendly Society of Charleston, South Carolina, 1766-1916, (Richmond, VA: Garrett & Massie, Publishers, 1935.)
Hendrix, Ge Lee Corley and Morn McKoy Lindsey, compilers. The Jury Lists of South Carolina: 1778-1779, (Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1980.)
Horton, Tom. "Saluting the Palatines' 300 Years in S.C.", (www.moultrienews.com/archives, posted - January 24, 2012.)
Irish, John. "Find a Grave Memorial: Michael Kalteisen (1729-1807)", (findagrave.com, record added - March 15, 2006.)
Lewis, James A. Neptune's Militia: The Frigate South Carolina during the American Revolution, (Kent, OH: The Kent State University Press, 1999.)
Moss, Bobby Gilmer. Roster of South Carolina Patriots in the American Revolution, (Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1983.)
National Park Service. "Charleston's Historic Religious & Community Buildings: German Friendly Society", (www.nps.gov, no date given.)
Revill, Janie, copier. Copy of the Original Index Book: Showing the Revolutionary Claims Filed in South Carolina Between August 20, 1783 and August 31, 1786, (Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1969.)
Rosengarten, Joseph George. The German Soldier in the Wars of the United States, (Philadelphia, PA: J.B. Lippincott Company, 1886.)
St. John's Lutheran Church of Charleston. "History of St. John's", (Charleston, SC: no publisher, no date.)
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. "Machtolsheim", (de.wikipedia.org, last updated - February 13, 2017.)
The writer of this blog first posted information on Michael Kalteisen on October 8, 2014, when the overall blog was in its early inception. Nothing more has been posted specifically concerning Michael Kalteisen since that time. But, in the intermediary period, much more detailed information has come to light concerning the activities of Michael Kalteisen of Charleston, SC, not the least of which is his leadership and participation in the founding of The German Friendly Society of Charleston, SC in 1766 and the Charleston, SC militia company known as The German Fusiliers in May 1775 at the outset of the American Revolution. Michael Kalteisen went on the serve as a Wagon Master for the troops in the southern theater of the American Revolution. He would also serve with Commodore of the Navy of South Carolina Alexander Gillon on board the frigate South Carolina with the position of "Captain of Marines". After the war's conclusion, he would serve as president of The German Friendly Society several times and would end his life with the rank of Colonel and as commanding officer of Fort Johnson located on James Island in South Carolina in 1807.
An examination of the earlier, almost three and one-half year old post concerning Michael Kalteisen demonstrates that significant periods of the life of Michael Kalteisen are missing and should be filled in to provide a more complete picture of this incredible man's life. The purpose of this specific post will be to provide that more complete picture. His patriotic services to his adopted country both preceded and followed his services on board the frigate South Carolina during the time period of 1779-1782.
There exists little evidence of the early life of Michael Kalteisen. According to the "Find a Grave Memorial: Michael Kalteisen (1729-1807) indicates that Michael Kalteisen was "...born in Machtolsheim, Kingdom of Wurttemberg, June 18, 1729...". Another source, Gongaware's work, The German Friendly Society, page 1, simply states that "...Michael Kalteisen was born June 18, 1729 in a village in Wurttemberg, Germany. The above cited information attributed to the "Find a Grave Memorial" is recorded on a black, granite obelisk that decorates the burial plot of Michael Kalteisen in Bethany Cemetery, Charleston, SC. This is all the information concerning the birth date and place of Michael Kalteisen that the writer of this blog has been able to locate to this date.
The only other piece of information concerning his earlier years is an important one, if it is correct indeed. It addresses the conditions under which he came to the United States. It also stems from a single source, Horton's article, "Saluting the Palatines' 300 Years in S.C.". On page 3 of the above referenced article, there is a statement directly related to Michael Kalteisen which states that "...arriving here [colonial South Carolina] in 1747 as an indentured servant was former Wurttemberg native Michael Kalteisen...". This source clearly and directly indicates that Michael Kalteisen arrived in South Carolina as an indentured servant. Another article, Bell's article from the South Carolina Encyclopedia, "Germans: 1674 -- ", states that:
"...most German-speaking immigrants arriving in the colonial period fell into one of two groups: German-Swiss (Switzers) and Palatines (from upper Bavaria and parts of southwestern Germany). Of these two groups, the German-Swiss tended to be more prosperous, while the Palatines often arrived as redemptioners (indentured servants).".
So, it would appear from the information gleaned from the above brief sources that Michael Kalteisen arrived in colonial South Carolina as an eighteen year old indentured servant (or "redemptioner") from the village of Machtolsheim in the Wurttemberg region of the German states. There is no indication as to exactly how he was employed as an indentured servant but, it possibly could have been in an agricultural pursuit due to the abundance of indigo and rice being grown in South Carolina at this time.
(Note: The Wikipedia article, "Machtolsheim", is brief and addresses the history and other characteristics of the village of Machtolsheim today. It is still a tiny village, registering only 1314 inhabitants in December 2013. But, at the conclusion of the article is a section entitled "Personalities". Wikipedia usually does this to indicate the important or influential people who were born there. Only two individuals are cited as having come from Machtolsheim. The first citation reads as follows:
"Michael Kalteisen (born June 18, 1729, died November 3, 1807 in Charleston, South Carolina), first president and co-founder of the "German Friendly Society", captain of the frigate South Carolina in the American Revolutionary War."
All of this information corroborates the previously shared information except that he was not the captain of the frigate South Carolina but, instead, the Captain of Marines on board the patriot frigate under the overall command of Commodore Alexander Gillon. The writer of this blog was surprised and delighted to discover that even after the passage of over 250 years since his birth, Michael Kalteisen would be remembered by his hometown in Germany and cited as an important personality of the village of Machtolsheim, Wurttemberg.)
(Note: Another source, J.G. Rosengarten's work, The German Soldier in the Wars of the United States, page 33, contains the only disparate information known to the writer of this blog as regarding the actual birthplace of Micheal Kalteisen. The information quoted from the work is as follows:
"Michael Kalteisen was born at Wachtelsheim, Wurtemberg, on the 18th of June, 1729...".
Again, the birth date is correct as well as the specific German principality in which Michael Kalteisen was born but, the name of the village in which Michael was born is spelled as "Wachtelsheim". A search on internet locates no village by that name anywhere in German territory but, especially in Wurttemberg. It is supposed by the writer of this blog that this name - Wachtelsheim - is just a simple misspelling of Machtolsheim.)
After arriving as an indentured servant in South Carolina in 1747, the next information we have concerning Michael Kalteisen addresses the end of his indenture. This information is drawn from Horton's article, "Saluting the Palatines' 300 Years in S.C.", page 4, and is as follows:
"Upon completion of his indenture in the mid-1750s, Michael Kalteisen applied for and received 50 acres on Indian Creek between the Saluda and Congaree Rivers - a site thought to be in the Irmo area today.".
This information would fit with the typical indenture of a servant. Usually, these work contracts would last between five and seven years until the servant was set free from the conditions of the contract. If Michael Kalteisen began his indenture in 1747, he would have been released from the contract between 1752 and 1754, depending on whether or not it was a five-year contract or a seven-year contract. Either of these possible dates would fit the description of "...in the mid-1750s...".
But, as is typical of at least some of the released indentured servants, the future was bright and promised personal gain and riches for Michael Kalteisen. Again, according to Horton's article, "Saluting the Palatines' 300 Years in S.C.", page 4:
"Within 10 years Kalteisen had amassed more than 2000 acres in the colony, a spacious home that he and his wife turned into a wayfarer's inn and he operated a mule train between Charleston and the settlements of the upstate.".
To the knowledge of the writer of this blog, this is the sole reference to the type of business that Michael Kalteisen pursued after he was released for his indentured servitude. The writer of this blog has encountered only two other references to Michael Kalteisen having established a "business" in South Carolina with no indication as to exactly the nature of this business. According to Cawley's article, "The German Community of Colonial Charleston", page 18, there is evidence that Michael Kalteisen had established a business in Charleston, SC by 1762. Also, according to Rosengarten's work, The German Soldier in the Wars of the United States, page 33, Michael Kalteisen "...in 1762, ...was established in business in Charleston, South Carolina, where a large German population had already gathered.". Yet, the above cited source, Horton's article, "Saluting the Palatines' 300 Years in S.C.", page 4, specifies that Michael Kalteisen participated in a goods transportation service that took goods from Charleston, SC to the settlements more in the interior of the colony.
According to Gongaware's work, The History of the German Friendly Society, page 1, one area of prominence to which Michael Kalteisen early on came was via his church affiliations in Charleston, SC:
"His [Michael Kalteisen's] first prominence was attained as a member of the board of vestry and wardens of St. John's Lutheran Church where he served with efficiency and devotion for many years.".
This is all that is said of Michael Kalteisen and his affiliation with St. John's Lutheran Church in Gongaware's work. Yet, the history of St. John's Lutheran Church is as much connected with greatness as is the singular life of Michael Kalteisen. According to the St. John's Lutheran Church, Charleston, SC site, "History of St. John's", page 1:
"The St. John's congregation dates its origins to the 1742 arrival of Dr. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, the father of the Lutheran Church in America. He stopped for two days in Charleston on his way to visit the Salzburger colony at Ebenezer, Georgia. He returned a month later and spent three weeks waiting for a ship to Philadelphia during which time he held services, taught catechism to the children of the German residents, and held services with communion on Sundays. Two Georgia Salzburger preachers visited for a few days in 1753 and conducted services and gave the sacraments. Rev. John George Friedrichs came in 1755 and organized the congregation. While it appears there were several educated and trained men conducting Lutheran services in South Carolina prior to this time, the organization of the congregation into a formal body and the hiring of a pastor seems to mark the beginning of Lutheranism in South Carolina...".
Th text of the above article goes on to say that "...services were held in the French Huguenot Church until the first Lutheran church was completed in 1763.".
(Note: the writer of this blog is aware of only one other source that touches upon the subject of Michael Kalteisen's affiliation with St. John's Lutheran Church in Charleston, SC. The writer has only seen this source in abbreviated form and the citation of Michael Kalteisen is contained within this fragmentary piece of writing. This source was written by John F. Ficken and is entitled St. John's Lutheran Church of Charleston, S.C.: An Historical Address, (no publisher, 1918). In this source, the author makes the statement that there is little early documentation of the history of the church due to the previous destruction of the church documents by unstated means. But, on page 7 of this "address" there appears a list of early members of St. John's Lutheran Church and the name of Michael Kalteisen appears on that list. The appears to be no date associated with this citation of Michael Kalteisen, only that it constitutes an early history of St. John's Lutheran Church.)
If Michael Kalteisen was born in 1729 and arrived in South Carolina as an indentured servant in 1747 at the age of eighteen years old. If his indenture expired after five to seven years, which is the standard time length for a colonial indenture, then he would have received his freedom between 1752-1754. Comparing this to the early history of St. John's Lutheran Church in Charleston, SC, then at the time of the "...arrival of Dr. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, the father of the Lutheran Church in America...", Michael Kalteisen would not even have been in the colony of South Carolina, arriving there in 1747. During the visitation of the "...two Salzburger preachers..." in 1753, Michael Kalteisen was in the colony but, might have still been an indentured servant. But, when the "...Rev. John George Friedrichs..." arrived in 1755 to organize the congregation, Michael Kalteisen was almost for sure a free man and, quite possibly, already climbing the social ladder of success within the community of Charleston, SC.
The next social endeavor in which we see Michael Kalteisen involved is the founding of the German Friendly Society of Charleston, SC. According to Bell's article, "German Friendly Society", page 1, this society is the:
"...oldest of all German male social organizations in Charleston, the German Friendly Society was founded by Michael Kalteisen (1729-1807) and Daniel Strobel (1734-1806). Meeting in Kalteisen's home on January 15, 1766, sixteen German men constituted themselves as a social and mutual-assistance society to pay sick and death benefits and allow members to borrow funds at low rates of interest. Almost immediately, German ethnicity was not necessary for membership, nor was the ability to speak German.".
Other sources focusing on this society offer information that slightly contradicts this information. According to the St. John's Lutheran Church of Charleston's article, "History of St. John's", page 1, only Michael Kalteisen is mentioned as a founder of the Society along with fifteen other fellow Germans, all of whom are referred to as being members of the congregation of St. John's Lutheran Church. The Society is correctly referred to "...as a men's fraternal organization..." and that throughout the existence of the Society close ties have been maintained with St. John's Lutheran Church there in Charleston, SC.
It is possible that the definitive work on the German Friendly Society of Charleston, SC is George J. Gongaware's work, The History of the German Friendly Society of Charleston, South Carolina: 1766-1916. The initial publication date is 1935. There is no indication that it was ever reissued. George J. Gongaware was the pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church and, according to the title page of the work, had been so since 1913. A notation on the title page also indicates that the work was "...compiled from original sources...". The information contained within this work is minutely detailed as to the history, organization and membership of the Society beginning at its inception and culminating with the celebration of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the German Friendly Society. Understandably, as the founder of the Society in 1766, the name of Michael Kalteisen is central and pivotal throughout the work. In fact, the first sentence of the work refers to Michael Kalteisen. According to Gongaware's work, The History of the German Friendly Society, page 1:
"The real founder of the German Friendly Society was Michael Kalteisen. It was his spirit and genius that brought the Society into existence; that determined its character and gave it a mighty impulse in the right direction.".
According to Gongaware's work, The History of the German Friendly Society, page 2, the first slate of Society officers appears and cited Michael Kaltiesen as the "Steward" of the German Friendly Society. The brief list of Society officers seems to indicate that this position was the equivalent of the senior or presiding officer of the organization. According to Gongaware's work, The History of the German Friendly Society, page 189-190, this term of "Steward" would be maintained from 1766 until 1770 at which point the term was altered to "President". Michael Kalteisen occupied the position of Steward during the entirety of the use of this term to indicate the presiding officer of the Society. Again, according to the same work, page 190, the term seems to have been altered to that of "President" in 1771. Michael Kalteisen would continue his faithful services to the Society as President in 1771, 1772, and 1774. In 1773, he was elected as Vice-President for some undisclosed reason with Paul Smiser being elected as President of the Society. It seems that after the date of 1774, Michael Kalteisen ceased to serve as an elected officer of The German Friendly Society of Charleston, South Carolina.
The first meeting of The German Friendly Society of Charleston, SC occurred in the private home of Michael Kalteisen. According to Gongaware's work, The History of the German Friendly Society, page 2, the carefully kept records indicate that "...a meeting held by the German Friendly Society at Michael Kalteisen's at Charleston January 15, 1766.". The meeting place did not change until the Society meeting that occurred on January 19, 1774. Again, according to the same source, page 11, notes that "...about this time the Society discontinued holding meetings at the home of Michael Kalteisen and began to meet 'with Mr. Philip Will, Charles Town'." Thus, for slightly over eight years, the German Friendly Society met in the home of its founder - Michael Kalteisen.
Eventually, the German Friendly Society decided to build their own building in which to hold their meetings. According to Gongaware's work, The History of the German Friendly Society, page 33,
"...during the past fifteen years (1785-1800) the Society had met in ten different places. This constant change became very irksome to the organization, and resulted in the decision of the Society to establish its own permanent home.".
The entry for this specific meeting was made on September 3, 1800. According to Gongaware's work, The History of the German Friendly Society, page 36, two months later, the records of the German Friendly Society contain the following information:
"...on November 12, 1800, as recorded in the Minutes, Volume II, page 413, the Society formally resolved to purchase the property of Mathias Wolfe on Archdale Street for 300 pounds as the most eligible in point of price as well as situation, and the recommendation of the committee,...was unanimously approved.".
(Note: According to the National Parks Service website, "Charleston's Religious & Community Buildings: German Friendly Society", "...the original Society hall was located at 27 Archdale Street until 1864, when it was burned in a fire believed to have been started by a Federal shell.". A few lines further on in the same article entry, the modern current address is given as being 29 Chalmers Street. It concludes with the brief statement that "...the building is not open to the public.". Thus, it can be seen from this passage that the site of the original building belonging to the German Friendly Society was abandoned by the Society after the fire that destroyed the original structure in 1864. The newer structure was built by the Society at a later date and at a different location within the city.)
For a permanent structure to be properly built necessitates the laying of a cornerstone. This was carefully attended to by the German Friendly Society and has been duly recorded in Gongaware's work, pages 37-40. But, even in this crucial and significant task of the laying of the building's cornerstone, great honor was done to the founder of the German Friendly Society, Michael Kalteisen. According to Gongaware's work, The History of the German Friendly Society, pages 37-38, records this solemn and significant event as follows:
"(From Minutes, Volume II, page 436, and following, March 4, 1801.) At every stage of these proceedings it becomes evident that the early members of this Society were very devout, God-fearing men. They recognized that their help was in Him and that without His blessing upon their labors all their efforts would come to naught. Note the significance of the following record under the above date: "On motion made and seconded it was agreed to and resolved by the Society that the cornerstone of the Society House be laid on Wednesday next, the 11th instant, and that all the members be summoned by the Steward to attend on the occasion and to meet at the German Church at half after ten o'clock and from thence to walk in procession to the Society's lot at eleven o'clock.
The Society at this same meeting unanimously agreed that its oldest two members should be asked to participate in this service of cornerstone laying, therefore Captain Michael Kalteisen and Captain Daniel Strobel were requested to lay the cornerstone of the building...
On March 11, 1801, the Society was informed that Captain Kalteisen and Captain Strobel had been duly invited and that the invitations had been promptly accepted and that the gentlemen had expressed their grateful acknowledgments for the honor conferred upon them."
Gongaware's work, The History of the German Friendly Society, pages 38-39 continue with a description of the actual event which took place on March 11, 1801:
"The Minutes of March 11, 1801, page 438, give a detailed account of this ceremony which was evidently of definitely religious character. The majority of the members were present, having been previously summoned by letter, which the steward carried about and delivered to every member.
The president of the Society sent the two stewards as escort for Messrs. Kalteisen and Strobel who "were received with cordial joy by the rest of the assembled members." The procession formed at St. John's Church and moved in the following order: The president and vice president leading, then the the other superior officers of the Society; then the invited speakers, Messrs. Kalteisen and Strobel and the Rev. Mr. Faber; next followed the members of the committee on contracts, next the two architects, and then the remaining members of the Society , "the rear being brought up by the stewards with staves in their hands."
At the foundation of the building John Horlbeck, Jr., "one of the architects delivered to the hands of Captain Kalteisen the cornerstone, who laid it on the bottom of the South East corner of the building and struck it with a new trowel. Henry Horlbeck, the other architect, then delivered to the hands of Captain Strobel a square tile for covering the cornerstone, which he accordingly did and likewise gave it a stroke with the same trowel that was handed to him by Captain Kalteisen."...
The festivity was closed by singing a melodious and appropriate Hymn, being the 409th in the Hymn book, which is now in use at the German Church. Before the members parted Captain Kalteisen addressed them in a short but pathetic and impressive speech, thanking them for the honor of his appointment to lay the cornerstone and expressing his warmest wishes for the future of the Society.".
The portion of the text of the "....short but pathetic and impressive speech..." given by Captain Michael Kalteisen is contained in Gongaware's work, "The History of the German Friendly Society, pages 39-40. The brief introductory comments made by Gongaware in the preceding paragraph within the work demonstrate a real admiration for Michael Kalteisen even though he had been dead for almost one hundred and thirty years at the time these tributes were written extolling his qualities and virtues. This portion of the speech is here quoted:
"The most sanguine of our original members never looked forward to the pleasing events of this day or anticipated the flourishing train and growing magnitude of our finances, which have, by almost imperceptible means, exceeded our calculations and outrun our hopes. It now remains for us, my Friends, by wisdom and economy to husband the rising prospects of felicity to thousands of our fellow creatures whose grateful tears will embalm your memory and perpetuate your pious fame.
May virtue, genius, and undefiled religion within these contemplated walls find a certain refuge from poverty, tyranny and injustice, and here, O God, may Thy glory forever dwell, and all honor shall be ascribed to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, world without end, Amen."
Michael Kalteisen was held in almost reverential esteem by the German Friendly Society of Charleston, SC while he lived and moved among the residents of that major southern city. It is easy to see from the brief portion of the recorded text immediately above that he was eloquent of speech and possessed high hopes and vast expectations of the future of the German Friendly Society and their work. Yet, the Society had two final special honors ot pay to Michael Kalteisen. The first of these honors concerned his final resting place and was, in itself, an honor reserved uniquely for the founder of the German Friendly Society. Whereas, both of the oldest surviving members of the German Friendly Society - Michael Kalteisen and Daniel Strobel - were requested to respectfully walk in the solemn procession to the ceremony of the laying of the cornerstone of the new Society's House, Michael Kaltiesen was specifically requested to have his mortal remains interred on the grounds of the new German Friendly Society located on Archdale Street.
According to Gongaware's work, The History of the German Friendly Society, page 64, the following account is related:
"With the passing of the years one notes in the records of the Society the gradual but inevitable decline of the virile powers of the early leaders. In Volume III of the MInutes, page 27, under the date of May, 1803, there is reference to an action 'in testimony of the Society's respect for two of its surviving founders, Captain Michael Kalteisen and Captain Daniel Strobel, a committee be appointed to wait upon these gentlemen and request their consent that their portraits be procured for the Long Room of the Society's House.' The committee as named was Rev. Mr. Faber, Jacob Sass, and C. G. Corre, whose report the Society received in due time with reverent attention."
All of this communicated information bears more on the latter honor reserved for Michael Kalteisen but, is included here because it sets the stage for the unique honor shown to Michael Kalteisen. According to Gongaware's work, page 64, the account focuses on this former honor specifically displayed towards Michael Kalteisen:
"In this same connection the Society passed an action 'that if Captain Michael Kalteisen should wish, as it has been reported, to be buried at his death on the Society lot a suitable spot should be appropriated for the internment of his remains,' and that this delicate matter should be entrusted to the same committee. The Society is aware of at this time there is no rule permitting such use of any part of its property, and it provided therefor by special action for this emergency. This committee attended to its duties promptly, waited upon the gentlemen named, presented the matters which had been proposed by the Society and brought back in due time that both men were agreeable to having their portraits placed in the Society's meeting room regarding it it as a great honor and assuring the Society of their profound appreciation. The portraits were prepared and to this day adorn the walls of the Society's room, but it is matter of keen regret that there is no record in the Minutes as to who the artist was who painted these excellent likenesses, the only reference being this that the portraits were 'to be drawn by a skillful limner'."
(Note: the writer of this blog finds it unusual that the meticulous records kept by the German Friendly Society, which contain very precise information regarding other more minor aspects of the functioning of their Society, would not cite the name of the artist who painted the two portraits of the surviving founders of the Society - Michael Kalteisen and Daniel Strobel. To not record even a name, much less the qualifications or confirmed skills of this mysterious artist, seem quite confounding, unless there was intention and reasoning in this glaring omission. It might possibly be that the Society did not want the honor shown to Michael Kalteisen and Daniel Strobel to be possibly "overshadowed" by the inclusion of the name of the artist whose works would later be admired by members of the Society as well as by the general public of Charleston, SC. But, to not record it at all somewhere and through some means still seems strange to the writer of this blog.)
The issue of the actual internment and specific burial spot of the mortal remains of Michael Kalteisen is addressed in Gongaware's work, The History of the German Friendly Society, pages 64-65, immediately following the above cited text:
"The Society granted permission in response to Captain Kalteisen's definite request that he be buried on the Society's lot in Archdale Street and the specific spot where the body was to lie is clearly indicated in the Minutes of the Society, Volume III, May and June, 1803. It should be noted here that while details sometimes are tedious they may become of vast importance. In this particular instance the Society today is indebted to the actions of the fathers who were so careful to define just where this grave should be located, and, but for that fact, the remains of Captain Kalteisen could never have been recovered, and consequently the dignified marker which now stands at his grave in Bethany Cemetery could not have been placed - an irreparable loss to the Society, and we are surely much indebted to the zealous members of the organization today who accomplished that praiseworthy piece of work."
The text then goes on to specify that this honor be reserved only to the two surviving founding members of the German Friendly Society and to no other members of that same Society. Again, according to Gongaware's work, The History of the German Friendly Society, page 65, the following well-defined conditions of this honor were actually placed in the Minutes of the German Friendly Society:
"In this connection we should note how the Society safeguarded its interests and avoided establishing precedents which later might have become very embarrassing. For example, Finished MInutes, Volume III, pages 30 and following, contain this saving resolution, 'At the same time the committee begs leave to recommend it as a measure of precaution that this distinction, the portraits and the grave, be forever confined to the two above named gentlemen and that the picture of no member be permitted in his lifetime to be affixed in the Society's Hall, but if the family or friends of a deceased member should present his portrait to the Society and request its exhibition in the Long Room of the Society's House such a request may be granted by the Society if the deceased died as a member.'.".
While both Michael Kalteisen and Daniel Strobel were given the privilege of laying the cornerstone of the new Society's House on Archdale Street, only Michael Kalteisen was afforded the distinct honor of being interred at his death on the grounds of the Society's House. And, to further do honor to "Captain Kalteisen", the Society went on to forbid in their Minutes that no other members' remains should be afforded that same privilege. As well, only the portraits of Michael Kalteisen and Daniel Strobel were to be hung in the Society's meeting hall while they were still alive. All other members could only have their portraits displayed in the Long Hall of the Society's House after these objects had been donated to the German Friendly Society by their family members and after the decease of the member of the Society. Michael Kalteisen was obviously held in great esteem and honor by the later members of the German Friendly Society.
The following paragraph in Gongaware's work, The History of the German Friendly Society, page 65, specifically addresses the actual location of the grave of Michael Kalteisen on the grounds of the Society's House on Archdale Street:
"The reference to the location of Captain Kalteisen's grave is found [in the Finished Minutes, Volume III,] on page 31 as follows: 'That in the event of Capt. Kalteisen's death his body be buried close to the eastern wall and along the north fence in front of the Society's house; but that this act shall never form a precedent for burying any other member on the Society's lot'.".
This passage, verbatim recorded in the Finished Minutes of the German Friendly Society, guaranteed that no other member of the Society would have the equal privilege of internment on the grounds of the German Friendly Society's house on Archdale Street. Again, this was an honor and privilege reserved for the founder of the Society - Michael Kalteisen. Even Daniel Strobel was only given the honor of having his portraits done at Society expense and hung in the Society's House while he yet lived. According to Gongaware's work, The History of the German Friendly Society, pages 65-66, record that the death of Daniel Strobel was announced at the December 10, 1806 meeting of the German Friendly Society and that suitable recommendations were made by the Society to recognize and observe the death of this founding member.
(Note: The writer of this blog again finds it fascinating and intriguing that the death of Daniel Strobel is recorded in Gongaware's work and discussed at some length but, the death of Michael Kalteisen seems not to be recorded in a like manner in this same work. This is of great interest due to Michael Kalteisen's role as the recognized founder of the German Friendly Society and the former privileges and honors that had been accrued to him. The writer of this blog believes that the passing of such an important individual in the life of the German Friendly Society would have been thoroughly documented and addressed in the Minutes of the Society. It is possible that Rev. Gongware chose to not write on the death of Michael Kalteisen due to the sheer amount of material that addressed the death of the founding member of the Society. But, it seems that this event is not mentioned at all and this is perplexing.)
Gongaware's work, The History of the German Friendly Society, does not record when the mortal remains of Michael Kalteisen were removed from the grounds of the German Friendly Society's house on Archdale Street to Bethany Cemetery in Charleston, SC nor does the work record the reason for the removal and reinterment. The assumption on the part of the writer of this blog is that the address of the Society's house changed from 27 Archdale Street to 29 Chalmers Street at some point well after the conclusion of the Civil War. According to the National Park Service's article, "Charleston's Historic Religious & Community Buildings: German Friendly Society", page 1, the Society's house on Archdale Street was destroyed by fire which was "...believed to have been started by a Federal shell..." during the siege of Charleston, SC in 1864. Yet, since the headstone/obelisk on MIchael Kalteisen's grave site does record that the body was reinterred in Bethany Cemetery on November 30, 1908, the German Friendly Society must have rebuilt their Society's house on the same site as the previous original house and but, for some undisclosed reason, had to relocate later to the Chalmers Street address, probably around the date of the reinterment of Michael Kalteisen's remains in Bethany Cemetery.
John Irish's entry for "Find a Grave Memorial: Michael Kalteisen (1729-1807)" contains several pictures of the headstone/obelisk on Michael Kalteisen's grave in Bethany Cemetery. One face of the obelisk addresses Michael Kalteisen's life dates and major achievements and records:
"Erected by the
German Friendly Society
in memory of
its first president
Michael Kalteisen
a member of
the Provincial Congress
of South Carolina.
Born in Machtolsheim,
Kingdom of Wuerttemberg,
June 18, 1729
Died at Fort Johnson
Charleston Harbor S.C.
as its Commandant
November 3, 1807.".
A different face of the headstone/obelisk addresses the relocation of the mortal remains of Michael Kalteisen and the placing of the headstone/obelisk on the grave of Michael Kalteisen. It states:
"As a Founder
and first President of the
German Friendly Society
his remains were
originally interred in
front of the hall of the
Society in Charleston.
They were re-interred
beneath this stone on
November 30, 1908.".
A third face of the headstone/obelisk contains information regarding his more martial achievements during and after the American Revolution along with a statement of his having founded the German Friendly Society in Charleston, SC. It states:
"He was one of the founders
of the
German Friendly Society
of
St. John's Lutheran Church
and of the German Fusilier Company
all of Charleston, S.C.
In 1775
the Committee of Safety
appointed him
Wagon Master General
of South Carolina
Subsequently
He was made Commandant
of Fort Johnson
in Charleston Harbor
He was a member of the
first legislature of S.C.
(Note: the fourth and final face of the headstone/obelisk does indeed contain, comparatively, a small amount of writing on it but, this specific face was not included in the photographs of the separate faces of the headstone/obelisk. This face can be obliquely viewed in the first photograph of the three faces of the headstone/obelisk but, is impossible to read. The exclusion of this specific face of the headstone/obelisk may be for one of two reasons. First, the face may not contain information pertinent to the life of Michael Kalteisen and was thus not posted on "Find a Grave Memorial". Or, secondly, the face may have been inadvertently forgotten and not photographed. But, this second reason seems unlikely due to the photographers careful photographing of the other three faces of the headstone/obelisk so that the print on each side of the headstone/obelisk is clear and readable.)
Much important and quite commendable information is recorded on the headstone/obelisk located on Michael Kalteisen's grave in Bethany Cemetery in Charleston, SC. But, closer inspection indicates that being the founder of the German Friendly Society is repeated on three of the four faces of the headstone/obelisk and his role as Commandant of Fort Johnson is repeated twice. Nonetheless, the headstone/obelisk is impressive and again indicates the esteem Michael Kalteisen was held in by the German Friendly Society when his mortal remains were moved to Bethany Cemetery after just over one hundred years after his death in October 1807.
The final mark of esteem and great respect paid to Michael Kalteisen by members of the German Friendly Society came several years after his passing and, in both cases, involved the portrait of him in possession of the Society. According to Gongaware's work, The History of the German Friendly Society, page 161, a portrait of the oldest living member of the Society, a Rev. Dr. John Bachman, was commissioned and to be hung in the Long Hall of the Society. This incident took place in the fall (September or October) of 1867. The members of the Society discussed the displaying of this recently completed portrait in Minutes on page 432, and "...it was resolved, 'that the portrait of Capt. M. Kalteisen be suspended from the head of the room.'.".
According to Gongaware's work, The History of the German Friendly Society, page 185, the following incident and commentary comes from the one hundred and twenty-seventh anniversary meeting of the German Friendly Society on January 17, 1894. A few new portraits had been donated to the Society and "....'the treasurer was authorized to have all the portraits on the walls of the Society Hall suitable marked, and that of Michael Kalteisen, the founder of the Society, placed directly opposite the entrance of the Hall." Mr. Gongaware concludes this passage with the comment that:
"Notice, gentle reader, how loyal and how grateful is the memory of the Society for its illustrious founder - dead, lo these many years, and yet living very significantly still!".
At the time of this incident, Michael Kalteisen had been dead for eighty-seven years and his mortal remains still rested within the grounds of the original German Friendly Society House on Archdale Street in Charleston, SC.