From Sweden To New York City

Charles J. Nordquist, Surgeon 83rd New York
7/16/1821-3/6/1890
Carlingasta Institute, Sweden, 1842
New York University, 1856

Born in Sweden, his father, Lars Peter Nordquist, was a physician who notably served as the private surgeon to the king of Sweden in 1809. Charles first practiced as a pharmacist, perhaps with his father, but emigrated to New York City in 1842 after receiving his first medical degree.

In New York, he worked as a pharmacist until he received his second medical degree from New York University. He joined the 83rd New York as surgeon in September 1862 and was eventually promoted to Medical Inspector of the First Corps before mustering out in 1864.

At Gettysburg, he served as division surgeon for the First Corps 2nd Division and was taken prisoner on July 1st while treating wounded at Christ Lutheran Church. After the war, he practiced medicine in Tuckahoe, New York, and served as coroner of Westchester County until he was struck and killed by a Harlem Railroad train near his home. He was photographed in uniform by Hallet & Brother in New York City.