Charles D. Emory (spelled Emery in some records) was born in New Hampshire. He enlisted in the 1st Battery of Minnesota Light Artillery on October 16, 1861, and transferred on November 24, 1863, to the 8th U. S. Colored Artillery.
Notice of his death first appeared in The Polk County Press on June 24, 1865:
— Lieut. Chas D. Emory, 8th U. S. Col. Battery, formerly of St. Croix Falls, was recently drowned by falling overboard from a steamer, while on his way from Vicksburg to New Orleans. We have not room for an obituary notice this week.
Following is his obituary from The Polk County Press of July 1, 1865:
DEATH OF LIEUT. CHARLEY EMORY.—We learn from SAMUEL EMORY, Esq., the painful particulars of the death of his son, CHARLES D. EMORY, formerly of the First Minnesota Battery, and subsequently 2d Lieut. of the 8th U. S. Colored Artillery. Lieut. EMORY resigned his commission and was residing at Vicksburg, where he had but recently married. While there waiting for his pay, he engaged as 2d mate on one of the Vicksburg and New Orleans packets, and while making his first trip down the river, being broken of his rest by constant duty until exhausted, he laid down on a bundle of hay to sleep. On being aroused to stand his watch by the 1st mate, he walked half asleep too near the edge of the guard, lost his ballance [sic] and fell overboard, and although desperate efforts were made to save him, the night being dark, he could not be found, and is supposed to have drowned.
This painful news reached his parents, who reside at St. Croix Falls, on the 18th inst. He leaves a young wife and many friends to mourn his loss.
He was a good soldier, and one of the first to volunteer in defense of his country.
The Civil War and Northwest Wisconsin 