Vigo County Historical Society

Civil War soldier photo on display

Born in Germany in 1843, Nicholas Filbeck and his family immigrated to Indiana in 1847. After the death of his mother, Filbeck, his brother and father settled in Terre Haute in 1853.

When the Civil War began, 17-year-old Filbeck secretly joined the 32nd Indiana Infantry under Col. Willich. Before Filbeck could rendezvous in Indianapolis with his regiment, his father caught up with him but during the trip home, Filbeck again slipped away to his regiment. Upon seeing the determination of his son to fight for his country, the elder Filbeck gave his permission for his son to stay in the Army.

The 32nd fought in Kentucky and Tennessee, including at Rowlett’s Station, Shiloh under Gen. Buell, Corinth and Battle Creek. They also worked their way through Jasper and Sequatchie valleys up to Walden Ridge Gap and with McCook’s division, advanced to Chattanooga, Tenn.

Filbeck was wounded in 1862 when he was hit in the right leg, cutting tendons in his foot. He was carried off the battlefield and captured by rebel spies who turned him over to Dick McCann’s Rebel Cavalry.

The cavalry was unable to provide proper treatment for his wounds and after 12 days they arranged for Filbeck to be sent to the Union hospital in Nashville, Tenn.

Even though he could have been honorably discharged, Filbeck requested a transfer to his old regiment. He was assigned to the quartermaster and served until 1864, when he was mustered out.

After returning home, Filbeck worked in the Old Telegraph Mill, then with his brother-in-law ran the Cincinnati Hotel. In 1869, he purchased the hotel he called the Filbeck house.

In 1873, Filbeck became postmaster of Terre Haute and had the post for two terms.

He was active in politics and was chairman of the county’s Republican Central Committee for 20 years.

Filbeck married Rosina Diefner in 1867 and they had five children.

As people come to the museum for Civil War Days on July 17 and 18, they will see a framed, enlarged photograph of a tintype picture of this determined young soldier in the Military Room. Malcolm Steele donated in the memory of his wife, Nelle Filbeck Steele.