Hagerstown in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Hagerstonians in the Civil War
Assistant Surgeon Edward Kershner, USN 1839-1916
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 11, 2020
1. Hagerstonians in the Civil War Marker
A Clear Spring native, Kershner was commissioned an assistant surgeon in the U.S. Navy in September, 1861. His first post was an assistant surgeon aboard USS Cumberland, stationed in the Chesapeake Bay.
On March 8, 1862, the "Battle of the Ironclads" occurred, resulting in the destruction of several wooden warship, including USS Cumberland. Rammed by CSS Virginia (a.k.a. "Merrimack"), Cumberland sank without surrendering, taking a third of her crew with her. During the fight, Kershner was feverishly tending to wounded sailors and Marines. As the ship sank beneath the waves, Kershner was one of the last men to dive from the ship before she went under. He was pulled unconscious from the water, having apparently struck his head as he went overboard.
During the rest of the war, he worked as a medical officer aboard the ironclad ships USS New Ironsides, USS Passaic, and USS Choctaw.
Making a career of the Navy, he was promoted to Surgeon in 1872 and Fleet Surgeon in 1895 and retired in 1902.
Kershner maintained a home at this site from around 1900 until his death in 1916. His home was demolished in 1947.
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this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is March 8, 1862.
Location. 39° 38.991′ N, 77° 42.854′ W. Marker is in Hagerstown, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is at the intersection of Oak Hill Avenue and Potomac Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Oak Hill Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 604 Potomac Ave, Hagerstown MD 21740, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 474 North Potomac Street (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 468 North Potomac Street (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Hagerstonians in the Civil War (about 400 feet away); Edward Oswald, Jr. (approx. 0.2 miles away); Oak Hill (approx. 0.2 miles away); Buffalo Soldiers (approx. 0.2 miles away); Corporal William Othello Wilson (approx. 0.2 miles away); African Americans and the Medal of Honor (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hagerstown.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 11, 2020
2. Hagerstonians in the Civil War Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 11, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 11, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 144 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 11, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
