Alonzo H. Pickle was born in Farnham, Quebec, Canada, on July 2, 1843. In 1857 his family moved to Wisconsin and then to a farm two miles from Dover, which itself is near Rochester, MN.

On August 14, 1862, he enlisted into Company K, First Minnesota Infantry. He was 19 years old. He stood 6' tall, had a light complexion, blue eyes and blond hair. He saw his first action at Fredricksburg. He also fought at the Battle of Gettysburg, where he was wounded during the charge on July 2, 1863. Pickle was promoted to the rank of corporal on Feb 1, 1864. At that time he was sent back to Minnesota on recruiting service. When the regiment was mustered out on May 5, 1864, he was transferred to the First Battalion to finish out his three year enlistment.

On August 14, 1864, the Battalion was engaged at the Battle of Deep Bottom, VA. In the early afternoon the 1st Battalion was ordered to attack the enemy breastworks. The Battalion assaulted the enemy lines but was unable to carry them. At the height of the battle Lt. O'Brien was shot in the chest. Most of the men had fallen back but Alonzo stayed, picked up O'Brien and carried him off the field to the protection of a ravine. It was an exceptionally brave act.

Pickle was subsequently promoted to the rank of sergeant. Wounds or capture are oftentimes the cause for promotion. On Aug 25, 1864, 1st Sgt William Churchill of Co K was captured at the Battle of Reams Station. James Bryant became the 1st sergeant ,until March 16, 1865, when he was promoted to the rank of 1st Lt. On May 30, 1865, Pickle became the company's 1st sergeant.

He was present at Appomattox. The battalion was on picket duty at the time and he watched, as many beaten rebel soldiers crossed their lines and surrendered their arms. When 1st Sgt William Churchill was captured, James Bryant became 1st sergeant, until he was commissioned as a 1st lieutenant on March 16, 1865. At that time Alonzo became the company's acting 1st sergeant. He was discharged at Bailey's Cross Roads, Va, on June 7, 1865.

For his bravery at Deepbottom, Alonzo was awarded our nation's highest award, the Medal of Honor. The award was given on June 5, 1895. The commendation reads:

"To Sergeant Alonzo Pickle, for most distinguished gallantry in action at Deep Bottom, VA, Aug, 14, 1864, when at the risk of his own life he went to the assistance of a wounded officer lying close to the enemies lines, and, under fire, carried him to a place of safety."

After the war he returned to Minnesota. On October 24, 1867, he married Rhoda Jane Smith in Rochester. They had six children, Frankie (9/1/68), Burton (8/4/69), Arnie (6/16/71), Ella (10/12/72), Royal (6/4/83) and Arthur (5/1/86). It appears that Alonzo and Rhoda moved to Winona, where he worked for a man by the name of W. S. Nevins, during the years 1869 & 70. Alonzo worked for him again from 1886 until the fall of 1888. In about 1889 they moved to the village of Golden Gate, which was located in Brown County.

Some local pioneers thought the name was too "high-toned" and nicknamed the village "Podunk", a name that clung, until the village disappeared in 1920. Others called it "Hell's Half Acre", because of the rough element imbibing in the saloons and which forced the community to endorse strict prohibition. This may have also led to the town's demise.

In about 1893 he and Rhoda moved from Golden Gate to Sleepy Eye, where he opend an insurance and real estate office. He conducted this business for 32 years. He was a charter member of the Wesley Green GAR Post # 71 in Sleepy Eye and at the time of his death was the only surviving member.

He had developed rheumatism while in the service, a result of exposure to sleeping on the cold and wet ground. He became quite crippled and had difficulty walking. Eventually he needed a cane to get around. In his last years he also lost his eyesight.

Rhoda died on Aug 31, 1923. From that time on his health declined. Alonzo died at the home of his daughter in Sleepy Eye on May, 24, 1925He was 81 years old. He was one of the town's most beloved and respected citizens. He was so respected in town that the mayor declared that all businesses should be closed from 1:30 to 3:00, so people could attend the funeral services. He was buried in the Home Cemetery in Home Township just north of Sleepy Eye.

Sources:

Military Pension records, Alonzo Pickle, National Archives, Wash DC.

Minnesota Place Names, Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2001, p 73.

Roster of the Survivors, First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, 1917.

Death certificate, MHS.

Newspapre article, Sleepy Eye, MN, May 28, 1925.

Alonzo H Pickle