Alexander Kelly facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alexander Kelly
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First Sergeant Alexander Kelly
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| Born | April 7, 1840 Pennsylvania |
| Died | June 19, 1907 (aged 67) |
| Place of burial |
Saint Peters Cemetery, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1863–1865 |
| Rank | First Sergeant |
| Unit | 6th United States Colored Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Meet Alexander Kelly, a brave African-American soldier from Pennsylvania. He was born on April 7, 1840, and lived until June 19, 1907. During the American Civil War, he fought for the Union Army. He was part of the 6th United States Colored Infantry Regiment. Alexander Kelly received the highest award for bravery, the U.S. Medal of Honor. He earned it for his amazing courage during the Battle of Chaffin's Farm in Virginia on September 29, 1864.
Early Life
Alexander Kelly was born in Saltsburg, Pennsylvania. This was on April 7, 1840. He grew up in a small community. Many people there worked as coal miners. Others were "salt boilers," which meant they helped get salt from the river.
By the time he was a young man, Alexander Kelly was about 5 feet, 3 inches tall. He followed in the footsteps of many in his area. He began working in the coal mines of Western Pennsylvania.
Fighting in the Civil War
In August 1863, Alexander Kelly decided to join the army. He took the place of his older brother, Joseph, who had been called to serve. Alexander joined the 6th United States Colored Infantry Regiment. This group was formed at Camp William Penn in Philadelphia.
His regiment first served at Fort Monroe in Virginia. They helped capture Confederate defenses near Petersburg in June 1864. Later, they worked on building forts. This was at Dutch Gap on the James River. They faced heavy enemy cannon fire there.
Kelly became a First Sergeant in Company F. This was in the 6th United States Colored Infantry Regiment. On September 29, 1864, his unit was fighting in the Battle of Chaffin's Farm. During this battle, he showed incredible bravery. He stopped the American flag from falling into enemy hands. This happened while his regiment was attacking a Texas Confederate unit. He also "rallied the men" when they were confused and in great danger.
For these brave actions, he was given the U.S. Medal of Honor. He received this important award on April 6, 1865. After the war ended, Alexander Kelly left the army on September 20, 1865.
Life After the War
After leaving the military, Alexander Kelly went back home to Pennsylvania. In 1866, he got married to Victoria. They had a son named William. Alexander and Victoria also adopted other children who needed a home. They were married for over 30 years.
Alexander continued to work as a coal miner. His son later joined him in this job. In the early 1890s, Alexander and Victoria moved to Pittsburgh. Sadly, Victoria passed away in 1898.
As he got older, Alexander Kelly became active in the Grand Army of the Republic. This was a group for Civil War veterans. After 1900, he took a less physically demanding job. He worked as a night watchman at the Pittsburgh Police stables. His son, William, became a music teacher.
His Final Years
Alexander Kelly passed away in Pittsburgh on June 19, 1907. He was 67 years old. After his funeral, he was buried in Saint Peters Cemetery in Pittsburgh.
