1933: William C. Alsdorf, historical character

September 21, 1933, Alamogordo News

The death of Wm. C. Alsdorf, 90, occurred at his home Sunday, Sept. 17, several miles from Orogrande after only three days serious illness. He is said to be the last surviving member of the Kearsage, the Union Battleship that sank the Confederate ship Alabama.

The deceased had been a respected resident of the Orogrande community for 32 years, and had engaged in developing his mining interests in a modest way. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday morning at ten a.m., at the Green & Leadinghouse chapel by Rev. Earl B. Keating, after which interment was made in the local Mt. Vista cemetery.

Mr. Alsdorf is survived by his widow. Seven children were born to Mr. Alsdorf and his first wife, of whom two daughters and a son survive; Mrs. Emma Staples, of Sherman, Texas; Mrs. W.H. Crossman, St. Louis, and Wm. C. Alsdorf, of St. Louis. His son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Crossman had been with Mr. and Mrs. Alsdorf at their Orogrande home since Sept. 1 of this year.

The deceased was born at Mecklinberg, Germany, Jan. 8, 1843. When about 17 years of age he enlisted with the U.S. Navy at Cadiz, Spain, becoming a member of the famous Kearsarge. he served three years in the U.S. Navy before he ever set foot on American soil. He was married to Miss Mary M. Laye, who was born in Germany, Aug. 7, 1871. His wife died in 1899, and he was married to Miss Mary E. Mentor, at Alamogordo in July, 1902, Rev. Taylor of the baptist Church here, performing the ceremony.

The deceased was of an unusual retiring disposition but was highly respected by the few people in this section who were privileged to know him. As he is the last of a famous crew of a most famous battleship of the United states Navy, it is quite appropriate that that sketch of history be reviewed for the younger readers:

The battle between the Kearsarge and the Alabama was the major sea battle between the opposing forces of the Civil War. The Alabama was built at Birkenhead, England, and as soon as it was completed and before the English knew of the intention and could detain it as a neutral nation, the Alabama slipped out of the harbor where built and equipped with its complement of guns, men and supplies at the Azores. The Alabama then went on a rampage of destruction and sank 66 Union ships and ten million dollars worth of property of the Union.

The Kearsarge, in June, 1864, being notified of the presence of the Alabama at Cherborg, France, immediately started for that port. Steaming in beside the Alabama the Kersarge gave a signal that meant a challenge to battle, and then withdrew several miles from port.

It was several days before the Alabama appeared and the Kearsarge crew was getting nervous lest the Alabama had escaped as Mr. Alsdorf explained to Alamogordo friends here several years ago. She finally appeared on a bright clear morning, June 19, 1864. "The battle lasted an hour, at the end of which the Alabama ran up the white flag and soon after sank." The Alabama had 40 killed and injured. The survivors were taken care of by the Kearsarge crew and another ship nearby. The Kearsarge had only two of her crew wounded and none killed.

Mr. Alsdorf was decorated by the Government for his services in that battle, and wore the medal until his death, upon which was inscribed his name, date of the battle and the picture of the two chips in conflict.