Otto G Hintz 1842 - 1918

 

Otto Hintz was born  in Germany in 1842. He was referred to as "The man no one knew too much about".  This holds true to this day. The little we do know we have learned through a series of military records and newspapers. 

Joined Co A of the 1st Texas Cavalry on May 9th, 1864. He would have served much of the war in the deep south. He only served six months when he was captured and taken to Elmira Prison in New York. 

Elmira was also called Hellmira by prisoners who had spent time there. The camp was made up of tents and a barracks that were dangerously overcrowded. Disease ran rampant and took the lives of many Confederate soldiers. Those that did survive the disease and overcrowding faced hunger and the harsh New York weather. There is no doubt Otto was a survivor!

After the war Otto and his wife Caroline made their way to North Tonawanda. In his golden years Otto fell down his stairs and twice after disappeared. Once he made his way down to West Virginia looking for an old war buddy. He was located and brought back by his worried wife.  

It was understandable that he seemed to not mention he was part of the Confederate army. He even joined GAR, which was for union vets. It wasn't until the 1960's when a Confederate flag was flown at his grave. 

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