Russians in the American Civil War

[Russian]

I am wondering if anyone has information related to Russian immigrants serving in the American Civil War. I have read some articles in Russian regarding the topic and the mention several notably Russians who served in the Union Army, such as General John Basil Turchin (Ivan Vasilevich Turchaninov). However, I am wondering if there is any information regarding Russians among the enlisted ranks.

Alexey Makinin

[Cordell]

Re: Russians in the American Civil War

Alexey
The problem is that the majority of emigrants to America from Russia changed the names in accordance with the Anglo-Saxon standards, so to find out "who was who» not easy.

Denis Anisimov

[Cordell]

Re: Russians in the American Civil War

Alexey
The problem is that the majority of emigrants to America from Russia changed the names in accordance with the Anglo-Saxon standards, so to find out "who was who» not easy.

Denis Anisimov

[Elaine Kessinger]

Re: Russians in the American Civil War

You might try looking in the 1860 Federal Census under "birthplace" to get names of likely military-aged males. Then check the "Soldiers and Sailors Database" for those names.
Remember with search engines to try the "first name" in the "surname" search field too. America reverses names from how Russians often list them. ...and as Mr. Anisimov suggests, check likely English variations of names. Peterson for Petrovitch, John for Ivan, etc. If the man came to America as a child, with his mother or an older woman, check feminine versions of the surname too... remember America doesn't change the gender of names.

I hope that helps you navigate American records a bit better. :-)

[Russian]

Re: Russians in the American Civil War

Denis and Elaine,

Thank you for replying and for your information. I am aware that many Russians changed their names to fit Anglo-Saxon standards. This is very problematic, since I am trying to gather general information about Russian born soldiers serving in the Union Army. I don't think scanning regimental rosters will be very helpful, unless they include the place of birth. I will check the 1860 Federal Census, that seems like a good starting point.

I am also trying to find out if there were particular States and/or counties where there were a larger concentration of Russian immigrants. I have found some articles related to European born populations living in the United States in the 1840s and 1850s; however, the estimate of Russian-born (between 7,500 and 8,000) is not supported by credible sources (or any sources).

Anyway, thank you for your replies. It is appreciated!

Alexey Makinin

[Cumpston1862]

Re: Russians in the American Civil War

Gents-

A quick search found the linked article about Russians fighting in the ACW.

http://en.rian.ru/news/20130625/181856107.html

From the article I believe I found "Peter Petroff" on a genealogy website.

Peter Petroff enlisted in the 6th Connecticut Infantry on November 1, 1862. He was promoted to full corporal either on November 18, 1862 or December 10, 1862. Also about that time Corporal Petroff seems to have been transferred out of the 6th and into the 14th US Infantry serving until mustered out in 1865.

[BrandonEnglish]

Re: Russians in the American Civil War

You should also check out this book, Blessed Place of Freedom. It's been awhile since I've read it but it gives pretty well researched breakdowns of immigrants from all over the world that served in the ACW.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Blessed-Place-Freedom-Europeans/dp/1574885235/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375979928&sr=8-1&keywords=blessed+place+of+freedom

[Russian]

Re: Russians in the American Civil War

Louis,
Thank you for the link to the article. I read that article before, but had lost the link, so I am glad that you posted it! Also, thank you for including the information about Peter Petroff.

Alexey Makinin

[Russian]

Re: Russians in the American Civil War

Brandon,

Thank you for the book suggestion and link. I will check it out.

Alexey Makinin