Albert Creswell Garlington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Albert Creswell Garlington
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| Born | June 9, 1822 Oglethorpe County, Georgia |
| Died | March 27, 1885 (aged 62) Newberry, South Carolina |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
 South Carolina Militia |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | State legislator, lawyer |
Albert Creswell Garlington (born June 9, 1822 – died March 27, 1885) was an important military leader and politician. He served as a brigadier general (a high-ranking officer) in the South Carolina Militia. This was South Carolina's own state army. He worked with the Confederate States Army in South Carolina during the American Civil War.
Garlington was in charge of defending the coast and training state troops. He also served as a major in the Holcombe Legion, a South Carolina unit. After leaving that role, he became the state's chief military administrator. Later, he returned to lead militia troops again in 1864 and 1865.
Besides his military work, Garlington was a lawyer. He also served in the South Carolina General Assembly, which is like the state's parliament. He was a state senator for many years.
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Who Was Albert C. Garlington?
Albert C. Garlington was born in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, on June 9, 1822. His parents were Christopher and Eliza Garlington. He was a very good student.
Growing Up and Becoming a Lawyer
In 1842, Albert graduated with top honors from the University of Georgia. He then moved to South Carolina and became a lawyer in 1844. In 1848, he moved to Newberry, South Carolina, his wife Sally Lark Moon's hometown.
Albert and Sally had a son named Ernest Albert Garlington. Born in 1853, Ernest also became a military leader. He graduated from the United States Military Academy (West Point) in 1876. Ernest later earned the Medal of Honor for his bravery. He became a brigadier general himself.
Serving in Government Before the War
Before the Civil War, Albert Garlington was active in politics. He was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1850 to 1854. He also served as a state senator from 1856 to 1864.
He was a director for the Greenville and Columbia Railroad company. This shows he was involved in important business and public roles before the war began.
His Role in the Civil War
Albert Creswell Garlington started his Civil War service in 1861. He joined the council of South Carolina Governor Francis Wilkinson Pickens. Garlington was put in charge of coastal defense and the state militia. This meant he had to protect South Carolina's shoreline. He also had to organize and train the state's soldiers.
Protecting South Carolina's Coast
When the Confederate Army took over some of these duties, Governor Pickens made Garlington a brigadier general. Garlington then focused on training new troops. After these troops joined the Confederate Army, Garlington became a major in the Holcombe Legion. This unit was also responsible for coastal defense. They had a small fight at Edisto Island.
Training Troops and Later Roles
In May 1862, Garlington left his position with the Holcombe Legion. Governor Pickens then appointed him as the state's adjutant general and inspector general. This meant he was the chief administrator and overseer of the South Carolina militia. He held the rank of major general in this role.
In 1864, Garlington tried to become governor of South Carolina but did not win.
Facing Sherman's Army
In late 1864 and early 1865, Garlington's troops were called to action. They were sent to stop Union Major General William Tecumseh Sherman's army. Sherman's forces were marching through South Carolina. Garlington's brigade had to leave the state capital, Columbia, South Carolina, as Sherman's army approached. Garlington then disbanded his troops in February 1865.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, Albert C. Garlington continued his public service. He was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives again from 1865 to 1867.
For a time, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia. However, he later returned to Newberry, South Carolina. He continued his law practice there. In his final years, he retired to his farm near Newberry.
Albert Creswell Garlington passed away on March 27, 1885, in Newberry, South Carolina. He is buried in Rosemont Cemetery in Newberry.
