Corporal August Schnell

August Martin Schnell was a native of Germany who immigrated to Minnesota. With many of his neighbors, he enlisted to defend the unity of his adopted country. When he enlisted on September 18, 1861, he began his service as a second corporal.

Although illness caused him to be discharged on July 31, 1862, Schnell was not content to sit on the sidelines as others risked their lives in the war. Thus, after his recovery, he reenlisted in the Eleventh Minnesota Infantry, where he received a commission as a First Lieutenant.

Following his military service, Schnell went on to serve his community as a politician and a law enforcement officer. A photo of Schnell, wearing his officer's epaulets, is available on the Brackett's Battalion website.