Alexander Brydie Dyer facts for kids

Alexander Brydie Dyer (January 10, 1815 – May 20, 1874) was an important American soldier. He served in several wars in the 1800s. He is best known as a general and the Chief of Ordnance for the U.S. Army during the American Civil War. The Ordnance Corps is in charge of weapons and military equipment.

Early Life and Education

Alexander Brydie Dyer was born in Richmond, Virginia, on January 10, 1815. His parents were William Hay Dyer and Margaret Brydie Dyer.

He was a very bright student. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1837. He was one of the top students in his class, ranking 6th out of 50 cadets.

Military Career Highlights

Early Service and Promotions

Dyer began his military career in the Seminole Wars (1837–1838). He served in the 3rd US Artillery. Later, he became a Lieutenant in the Ordnance Corps.

During the Mexican–American War (1846–1848), he showed great bravery. He was given the special rank of Captain for his courageous actions at the Battle of Santa Cruz de Rosales. He became a full Captain in the Ordnance Department in 1853.

Leading Arsenals

Between the wars, Dyer was in charge of several important military arsenals. These were places where weapons and ammunition were made and stored. He commanded the Fayetteville Arsenal (1851–1853), Little Rock Arsenal (1853–1855), and Fort Monroe Arsenal (1855–1861). In 1859, he joined the Ordnance Board, which made decisions about military equipment.

Role in the Civil War

When the American Civil War began, Dyer chose to stay with the Union (the North). In August 1861, he was put in charge of the Springfield Armory in Springfield, Massachusetts. This was a very important job.

Dyer worked hard to expand and improve weapon production at Springfield. He greatly increased the number of small arms (like rifles) made for the Union Army. Even though he was from the South, people quickly saw how dedicated and efficient he was.

In 1862, he was asked to become the Chief of Ordnance. However, he respectfully declined. He had great respect for the current chief, General Ripley. Also, he was busy with major improvements at Springfield Armory.

Chief of Ordnance

On September 12, 1864, General Ramsey, the Chief of Ordnance, retired. Alexander Dyer was then promoted three ranks and became the 7th Chief of Ordnance of the United States Army. He was given the rank of Brigadier General.

Later, on December 12, 1864, President Abraham Lincoln nominated him for another special rank, Major General. The U.S. Senate confirmed this promotion in February 1865.

Challenges and Innovations

During his ten years as Chief of Ordnance, Dyer faced many challenges. He dealt with inventors and contractors who sometimes complained to Congress. To clear his name, he asked for an official investigation. He was found to be an excellent officer, worthy of respect from all Army officers.

Dyer is known for being the first commander to buy a Gatling gun. This was one of the first designs for a machine gun. He also created the Dyer Shell. This was a special artillery shell used with the 3-inch ordnance rifle, a key artillery weapon during the Civil War.

After the war, Dyer remained in the army. He continued to lead the Ordnance Department until he passed away.

Personal Life

Alexander Dyer was married to Elizabeth Beersheba Allen (1823–1891). They had six children together. One of their sons, Colonel Alexander Brydie Dyer, Jr., also graduated from West Point. He later wrote a book called Handbook for Light Artillery.

Dyer died in Washington on May 20, 1874, at the age of 59. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. His wife survived him.

See also

• List of American Civil War generals (Union)