Leopold Blumenberg

Leopold Blumenberg (1827–1876) was born in Frankfurt an der Oder, Prussia, and served in the Prussian army during the First Schleswig War (1848–1852). He married Emilie Pauline Agnes Knorre in Berlin in 1853, where he was described as “the foreman of an umbrella factory” and “of the Jewish persuasion.” After resigning as a first lieutenant, Blumenberg immigrated to Baltimore, Maryland, in 1854. There, he became a successful manufacturer and ardent abolitionist, reportedly influenced by Rabbi David Einhorn to join the Republican Party.

Blumenberg enlisted as a captain in the 5th Maryland Infantry on September 26, 1861, quickly advancing to Major. He raised volunteers in Baltimore despite hostility from pro-slavery residents, requiring his house to be guarded. During the Battle of Antietam, he was shot in the thigh by a Confederate sharpshooter, leaving him with a permanent injury.

In May 1863, President Lincoln appointed Blumenberg as provost marshal for Maryland's 3rd District in Baltimore, due to his distinguished service, injury, and Republican affiliation. However, on January 17, 1865, the War Department dismissed him amid accusations of excessive enforcement of conscription laws and torture. Lincoln defended Blumenberg, requesting an inquiry and subsequently appointing him superintendent of warehouses at the Baltimore customhouse after Stanton refused to reinstate him.

President Andrew Johnson later promoted Blumenberg by brevet to Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, and Brigadier General for his “gallant and meritorious services” during the Civil War, including the Battle of Antietam. Blumenberg died of Bright's disease on August 12, 1876, and was buried in Har Sinai Cemetery in Baltimore.

See also

• Military history of Jewish Americans