Alexander Shaler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alexander Shaler
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Alexander Shaler
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| Born | March 19, 1827 Haddam, Connecticut |
| Died | December 28, 1911 (aged 84) New York City |
| Place of burial |
Ridgefield Cemetery, Ridgefield, New Jersey
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| Allegiance | United States Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  brigadier general Brevet major general |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Alexander Shaler (born March 19, 1827 – died December 28, 1911) was an important general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He earned the highest award for bravery, the Medal of Honor, for his amazing actions at the Second Battle of Fredericksburg. After the war, he had many important jobs. He led the New York City Fire Department, was president of the National Rifle Association, and even served as Mayor of Ridgefield, New Jersey.
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Growing Up and Early Career
Alexander Shaler was born in Haddam, Connecticut, on March 19, 1827. His father, Ira Shaler, was a merchant captain. Alexander moved to New York City when he was seven years old. He came from a wealthy family and went to private schools.
Shaler was very active in the New York State militia, which was like a local army. He started as a private soldier in 1848. By 1860, he became a major in the 7th New York Militia. He even wrote a book called Manual of Arms for Light Infantry in 1861. When the American Civil War began in 1861, Shaler's regiment, the 7th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment, was sent to protect Washington, D.C..
Fighting in the East
After his first service, Shaler returned to New York City. He became a lieutenant colonel in the 65th New York Volunteer Infantry. This regiment was known as the 1st United States Chasseurs. People said that Shaler was very good at training his soldiers. The regiment went to the war front on August 27, 1861.
They fought in important battles like the Peninsula Campaign and the Maryland Campaign. Shaler became a colonel on June 17, 1862. His regiment was part of the VI Corps in the Army of the Potomac. They were at the Battle of Fredericksburg but did not see heavy fighting.
Becoming a General
In March 1863, Shaler took command of his brigade. He was promoted to brigadier general on May 26, 1863. He led his brigade at the Second Battle of Fredericksburg on May 3. This battle is also called the Second Battle of Marye's Heights. During this fight, Shaler showed great bravery. He grabbed a flag and led his men forward into the Confederate defenses. For this heroic act, he received the Medal of Honor in 1893. His brigade also fought in the Battle of Salem Church.
Gettysburg and Capture
At the famous Battle of Gettysburg, Shaler's VI Corps was kept as a backup force. On July 3, 1863, his brigade was sent to the right side of the Union army. They helped the XII Corps defend Culp's Hill. Shaler's men were usually in reserve, but they moved to the front lines to help stop Confederate attacks. Later that day, his brigade was sent to the center of the army. They were there when the Confederates' big attack, Pickett's Charge, was defeated.
In the winter of 1863-1864, Shaler commanded a prisoner-of-war camp. This camp was for Confederate soldiers on Johnson's Island in Lake Erie. His regiment served as guards there.
Shaler returned to his brigade in 1864 for the Overland Campaign. On May 6, 1864, during the Battle of the Wilderness, Shaler's brigade was on the right side of the Union army. They were attacked by Confederate troops led by Brigadier General John Brown Gordon. Shaler was trying to gather his men when he was captured by the Confederates. He was sent to Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia. Later, he was moved to Macon, Georgia. He was even placed where Union cannons were firing on Charleston, South Carolina.
Fighting in the West
After being released in a prisoner exchange, Shaler was sent to the western part of the war. He served in the Department of the Gulf. From November to December 1864, he briefly commanded a brigade in the XIX Corps.
Then, he served in Arkansas. From December 1864 to August 1865, he led the second division in the VII Corps. This division was based in DeValls Bluff, Arkansas. Their main job was to occupy the area and fight in small skirmishes with Confederate forces. In June 1865, as the war was ending, Shaler helped Major General Grenville M. Dodge to arrange for Confederate soldiers to surrender.
Shaler officially left the volunteer army on August 24, 1865. On January 12, 1866, President Andrew Johnson nominated Shaler to be a brevet major general. This promotion was confirmed on March 12, 1866.
Life After the War
After the Civil War, Alexander Shaler continued to serve his community. From 1867 to 1873, he was a commissioner for the New York City Fire Department. He was also very involved in groups for veterans, like the Loyal Legion.
In 1867, he became a major general in the New York state militia. He commanded the first division. Shaler also became the chairman of the Board of Health in New York City in 1883. He helped veterans and orphans of soldiers find jobs as messengers in New York City.
Shaler is also known as one of the founders of the National Rifle Association. He served as a director and was its president in 1876. He also led a company called the Automatic Signal Telegraph Company.
Later in life, Shaler moved to Ridgefield, New Jersey. He also kept a home in New York City. He served as Mayor of Ridgefield, New Jersey, from 1899 to 1901.
Alexander Shaler passed away at his New York home on December 28, 1911. He was buried in Ridgefield, New Jersey.
Shaler's only son, Ira Alexander Shaler, was also a military man. He was a major in the Spanish-American War. He was in charge of building the first subway tunnel through the Murray Hill area of Manhattan. Sadly, Major Shaler died in 1902 at age 39. This happened two weeks after his back was broken when a subway tunnel collapsed on him.
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Alexander Shaler
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