Bahnson, Henry T. (Henry Theodore), 1845-1917

Henry Theodore Bahnson was born in Lancaster, Pa., the son of George Frederic Bahnson, a Moravian bishop. In 1849, the family moved to Salem, N.C. Bahnson pursued theological studies at the Moravian Theological Seminary at Bethlehem, Pa. In 1862, Bahnson returned to North Carolina, where he served in the 2nd North Carolina Infantry Battalion until his capture at the Battle of Gettysburg. After six months of captivity divided between the Baltimore City Jail and Point Lookout, Md., he was exchanged and began service with the 1st North Carolina Sharpshooters Battalion. He served with this unit until his capture in the course of the Confederate surrender at Appomattox Court House, Va. After a brief internment in Virginia, he was released and made his way back to Salem, N.C. After the war, Bahnson studied medicine at the University of Pennsylvania; he spent the balance of his life practicing medicine in Salem, N.C.

From the description of Henry T. Bahnson papers, 1890s, 1917. WorldCat record id: 45663758

Henry Theodore Bahnson was born on 4 March 1845 in Lancaster, Pa. His father, George Frederic Bahnson, was a Moravian bishop. In 1849, the family moved to Salem, N.C. Henry Bahnson attended Salem Boys' School before transferring, in 1858, to Nazareth Hall in Pennsylvania, a prominent Moravian institution. He then undertook theological studies at the Moravian Theological Seminary at Bethlehem, Pa.

In 1862, Bahnson returned to North Carolina and enlisted in the Confederate Army. He served in Company G of the 2nd North Carolina Infantry Battalion until his capture at the Battle of Gettysburg. After six months of captivity divided between the Baltimore City Jail and Point Lookout, Md., he was exchanged and returned to service with the Confederate Army. After his return, he was assigned to Company B, 1st North Carolina Sharpshooters Battalion. He served with this unit until his capture in the course of the Confederate surrender at Appomattox Court House, Va. After a brief internment in Virginia, he was released and made his way back to Salem, N.C.

After the war, Bahnson studied medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and several European universities. He spent the balance of his life practicing medicine in Salem, N.C., participating in various civic and corporate bodies including service on the board of directors of the Virginia and North Carolina Construction Company. He died after an illness of several months on 16 January 1917.

From the guide to the Henry T. Bahnson Papers, 1890s, 1917, (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Library. Southern Historical Collection.)