Adam J. Slemmer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Adam Jacoby Slemmer
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Adam J. Slemmer from an article in Harper's Weekly
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| Born | January 24, 1828 Montgomery County, Pennsylvania |
| Died | October 7, 1868 (aged 40) Fort Laramie, Wyoming |
| Place of burial |
Montgomery Cemetery, Norristown, Pennsylvania
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1850-1868 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War Indian Wars |
Adam Jacoby Slemmer (born January 24, 1828 – died October 7, 1868) was an important officer in the United States Army. He served during several big events in American history. These included the Seminole Wars, the American Civil War, and the time of the American Old West.
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Adam Slemmer's Early Life
Adam Slemmer was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a town called Norristown. In 1850, he finished his studies at the United States Military Academy. This famous school is also known as West Point. After graduating, he became a second lieutenant, which is a junior officer rank. In 1856, he married Caroline Lane Reynolds. They had one son, but sadly, he passed away when he was very young.
Military Career Highlights
Adam Slemmer had a busy career in the army. He first served in Florida against the Seminole people. After that, he was stationed at different army bases along the Pacific Coast. From 1855 to 1859, he returned to West Point to teach future officers.
Defending Fort Pickens
In January 1861, Slemmer was in charge of troops at Fort Barrancas in Pensacola Harbor, Florida. The American Civil War was about to begin. On January 10, after a nearby navy base surrendered, Slemmer moved his soldiers. He took them to Fort Pickens, another fort in the same harbor.
He bravely held Fort Pickens. Confederate forces threatened to attack and demanded he surrender. But Slemmer refused to give up the fort. In April 1861, more soldiers arrived to help him. Fort Pickens stayed under the control of the United States throughout the entire war. This was a very important victory for the Union.
Fighting in the Civil War
In May 1861, Slemmer was promoted to major. He joined General Don Carlos Buell's army. He took part in the Siege of Corinth, a major battle. He also helped protect the city of Nashville.
In December, Slemmer led his soldiers into the Battle of Stones River. During this fierce battle, he was wounded. This injury meant he could not fight for the rest of the war. He was captured by the Confederates the next day. However, he was released when the Confederate army retreated.
In April 1863, Slemmer became a brigadier general of volunteers. He then worked in administrative jobs in Ohio and New York.
Fort Slemmer
During the Civil War, a temporary fort was built to protect Washington, D.C.. This fort was named Fort Slemmer in his honor. It was made of earth and was used until 1865. After the war, it was taken down.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1865, Slemmer was recognized for his excellent service. He was given the honorary rank of colonel in the regular army. He also became a lieutenant colonel in the 4th U.S. Infantry.
In 1867, President Andrew Johnson nominated Slemmer for another honorary rank. He became a brevet brigadier general in the regular army.
Adam Slemmer passed away on October 7, 1868. He was in command of Fort Laramie at the time. His death was caused by problems from typhoid fever he caught during the Civil War. He was buried on October 21, 1868, in Montgomery Cemetery in Pennsylvania.
