Pius Francis Topper by Lorenzo Kendall

The American Civil War was a civil war in the United States fought from 1861 to 1865. Many brave men put their lives on the line and fought for what they believed in. It cost the nation not just a lot of money to rebuild but an estimated 650,000 lives were lost. Pius Francis Topper was a confederate civil war soldier who fought with courage and bravery.

According to the 1860 census, he was born on Jan 20, 1842 in Fairfield, Adams County, Pennsylvania. His mother and father were Martha M. and John J. Topper. He was the youngest of eight brothers Ambrose, Anthony, James, William, Sylvester and Jacob., having seven brothers, John Ambrose Topper 1829-1920, Anthony Josiah Topper, Sr., Union Civil War Veteran James Gregory Topper 1831-1902 who was in the PA 165th Infantry, William Simon Topper 1833-1912, Sylvester Topper 1837-1842, Infant brother Topper 1838-1838, and Union Civil War Veteran Jacob Ignatius Topper 1839- 1903, who fought for the Union in the 91st Pa.

With his courage Pius Francis Topper enlisted on Mar 18, 1862. Substituted to D, Virginia 6th cavalry regiment on Oct 20, 1862. According his service record he was a substituted for James Thompson and accepted this as such on Oct. 20, 1862. On Dec. 31, 1862 he was present with no remarks. On June 30, 1863 he was present with no remarks. On Oct. 31, 1863 he was absent with leave one month pay deduction for sentinel court Marshall. He most likely fell asleep on duty. On Feb. 29, 1864 he was present no remarks. He was lasted payed on Feb 19, 1864. But Pius’s time in the military was sadly only 2 years in listing in Mar. of 1862 and being killed in action on September 22, 1864 in Luray, Virginia. During The Battle of Fisher's Hill, fought September 21–22, 1864, near Strasburg, Virginia, as part of the Valley Campaigns of 1864 during the American Civil War. Despite its strong defensive position, the Confederate army of Lt. Gen. Jubal Early was defeated by the Union Army of the Shenandoah, commanded by Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan.

During his time at war he only fought in a few battles. At the battle of brandy station he stood with his brothers in arms but was wounded a little but managed to go north with the army to the most important battle of the civil war the battle of Gettysburg. He also fought in an important battle near home town of Fairfield Pennsylvania. He was a brave and dedicated man. In addition to being an extraordinary soldier, he was also an amazing person. Pius was a role model for many people.. Being the youngest of eight brothers he was the third to pass. He would fight and give his life to the cause of Southern independence. He was buried in Greenhill Cemetery, in Pennsylvania, which had been built by his comrades and friends.

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=16659714

https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXPD-Q3C

1860 Census, http://www.ancestryclassroom.com/

Confederate Service Record, Sixth Virginia Cavalry, https://www.fold3.com/?xid=1628&skwcid=fold%203&gclid=CjwKEAjwp-S6BRDj4Z7z2IWUhG8SJAAbqbF3EBz2LfFVd8p07bu3sW7RE5GoVAxUWgN2oTRnKNjkQxoCmgzwwcB