Aaron Daggett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Aaron Daggett
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Daggett's official portrait by Mathew Brady
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Aaron Simon Daggett
June 14, 1837 Greene, Maine |
| Died | May 14, 1938 (aged 100) West Roxbury, Massachusetts |
| Political party | Republican |
| Residence | Auburn, Maine |
| Alma mater | Bates College |
| Profession | United States Army officer |
| Nickname | "Danger Daggett" |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Branch/service |  United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1861 - 1901 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Unit |  16th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment |
| Commands | 16th Maine Infantry |
| Battles/wars | |
Aaron Simon Daggett (June 14, 1837 – May 14, 1938) was a brave officer in the United States Army. He was the very last general from the American Civil War to pass away. He lived to be almost 101 years old! During his long career, Daggett fought in many important battles, including those in the Civil War and the Spanish–American War. He was known for his courage and dedication to his country.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Aaron Daggett was born in Greene, Maine, on June 14, 1837. His family had lived in New England for a very long time. His ancestors came from England in the 1600s. Both of his grandfathers fought for America in the American Revolutionary War.
Aaron went to several schools when he was young. He studied at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, in 1860. He also attended the Monmouth Academy and Maine Wesleyan Academy.
Military Career
Aaron Daggett had a long and exciting military career that lasted for 40 years. He fought in several major conflicts and rose through the ranks.
Fighting in the Civil War
Daggett joined the army as a private in April 1861, right at the start of the American Civil War. He quickly became a second lieutenant in May 1861. He was promoted to first lieutenant in June 1861 and then to captain in August 1861.
He fought in many famous battles, including the First Battle of Bull Run. He became a major in April 1863. He was part of battles like Gettysburg, the Wilderness, and Cold Harbor. He was wounded at Cold Harbor in May 1864.
After leaving the volunteer army for a short time, he rejoined and was promoted again. He received an honorary rank of brevet brigadier general in 1866. This was a special honor for his brave service during the war.
Aaron Daggett strongly believed that slavery should be ended. He fought alongside African-American soldiers during the Civil War. He also supported the temperance movement, which encouraged people to avoid alcohol. He was a member of the Presbyterian church.
After the Civil War
After the Civil War, Daggett continued his military service. He became a captain in the 16th U.S. Infantry Regiment in 1866. He moved to different regiments over the years, becoming a major in 1892 and a lieutenant colonel in 1895.
He also fought in the American Indian Wars. Later, he served in the Spanish–American War. During this war, he was temporarily made a brigadier general. He was present at the Battle of San Juan Hill.
In 1900, Aaron Daggett became a brigadier general in the regular U.S. Army. He retired from the army on March 2, 1901, and moved back to Auburn, Maine.
Death and Legacy
Aaron S. Daggett lived a very long life. He passed away at his home in West Roxbury, Massachusetts, on May 14, 1938. He was 100 years old. He was the last general from the Civil War to die. He is buried at Old Valley Cemetery in Greene Corner, Maine.
A street called Daggett Terrace in New Port Richey, Florida, is named after him.
