Alfred Gibbs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alfred Gibbs
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Alfred Gibbs
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| Born | April 22, 1823 Astoria, Long Island, New York |
| Died | December 26, 1868 (aged 45) Fort Leavenworth, Kansas |
| Place of burial |
Saint Mary's Episcopal Churchyard, Portsmouth, Rhode Island
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1846–1868 |
| Rank |  Brevet Major General |
| Commands held | 130th New York Volunteer Infantry 1st New York Dragoons |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War Apache Wars American Civil War |
Alfred Gibbs (April 22, 1823 – December 26, 1868) was a brave officer in the United States Army. He became a brigadier general in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Contents
Alfred Gibbs: A Military Career
Alfred Gibbs graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1846. He served in the Mexican–American War and was wounded twice. Later, he was wounded again by Apaches in 1857 while serving on the frontier. Before the Civil War, he was a cavalry officer.
During the Civil War, Gibbs led a unique volunteer regiment. It started as the 130th New York Infantry and was later changed completely into a cavalry regiment, becoming the 1st Regiment New York Dragoons.
Leading Cavalry Brigades
After his regiment became cavalry in August 1863, Gibbs often commanded a cavalry brigade. For a short time, he even led a cavalry division. He was promoted to brigadier general of volunteers after the Battle of Cedar Creek on October 19, 1864. He received three special awards, called "brevet general" ranks, for his excellent service in three important battles: Trevilian Station, Opequon (Third Winchester), and Five Forks.
Key Battles and Campaigns
As an infantry commander, Gibbs helped defend Suffolk, Virginia and Norfolk, Virginia in 1863. Confederate forces under Lt. Gen. James Longstreet tried to take these places back, but Gibbs and his men helped stop them.
He led his brigade or regiment in major battles of the Overland Campaign. He also participated in Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan's raid, which led to the Battle of Yellow Tavern. His brigade was then sent to serve with Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley Campaigns of 1864.
Gibbs and his brigade returned to Petersburg on March 26, 1865. They played a big part in the crucial battles of Dinwiddie Court House and Five Forks. These battles helped break the Confederate lines and forced the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia under Robert E. Lee to leave Petersburg and Richmond, Virginia.
His brigade joined the chase of the Army of Northern Virginia in the Appomattox Campaign. They fought especially hard at the Battle of Sayler's Creek. Gibbs was present when General Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865.
After the War and His Death
After the war, Gibbs stayed in the regular army as a major in the 7th U.S. Cavalry. He served as Post Commander of Fort Harker, Kansas, several times between 1867 and 1868. His many years of service took a toll on his health. He sadly died from a brain condition on December 26, 1868, at the age of 45.
Early Life and Family Background
Alfred Gibbs was born on April 22, 1823, in Astoria, Long Island, New York. His father, George Gibbs, was a well-known mineralogist (someone who studies minerals). His grandfather, Oliver Wolcott Jr., was the United States Secretary of the Treasury for Presidents George Washington and John Adams.
Alfred went to school in White Plains, New York and Dartmouth College. Then, he was accepted into the West Point in New York. He graduated in 1846.
Gibbs married Peggy Forshee Blair in December 1855. They had two sons:
- Alfred Wolcott Gibbs (1856–1922), who became a railway mechanical engineer.
- Dr. John Blair Gibbs (1858–1898), who was an assistant surgeon in the U.S. Navy.
Military Service Before the Civil War
After graduating from West Point in 1846, Gibbs joined the Regiment of Mounted Rifles. He served in the Mexican–American War and was wounded. He earned honorary ranks of first lieutenant and captain for his bravery. In 1847, he was part of the Army of Occupation in Mexico City.
After the war, he worked as an aide to Brigadier General Persifor F. Smith until 1856. From 1856 until the start of the Civil War, Gibbs was on duty on the frontier. He was wounded in a fight with Apaches at Cooke's Spring, New Mexico, in March 1857.
Alfred Gibbs in the American Civil War
At the start of the Civil War, Alfred Gibbs was a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He was captured by Confederate forces from Texas in New Mexico. He was later released but not officially exchanged until August 7, 1862. During this time, he was promoted to captain. Soon after his exchange, on September 6, 1862, Gibbs became a colonel of the 130th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
Defending Suffolk and Early Campaigns
Gibbs's regiment arrived in Suffolk, Virginia, on September 13, 1862. This location was important for protecting Norfolk, Virginia, and access to the sea. Gibbs joined his regiment there.
His regiment fought in the Battle of Deserted House on January 30, 1863. During this battle, Colonel Gibbs bravely led a charge even though he was under arrest and without a horse or gun. His actions helped push the Confederates back.
Confederate forces tried to recapture Suffolk and Norfolk in April and May 1863. Gibbs and his men helped defend the Union positions, and the Confederates eventually retreated.
On August 11, 1863, Gibbs's regiment was changed into a cavalry unit called the 1st New York Dragoons. They trained and guarded the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. They also took part in the Bristoe Campaign in late 1863.
Overland Campaign and Trevilian Station
In 1864, Gibbs's brigade became part of the 1st Division of the Cavalry Corps. This corps was led by Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan. Gibbs often commanded the Reserve Brigade, which fought in many tough battles.
At the Battle of Todd's Tavern, Gibbs's brigade played a key role. They helped clear the Brock Road, which was important for the Union Army's movement. His brigade suffered many casualties in this fight.
Gibbs also fought with Sheridan at the battle of Yellow Tavern on May 11, 1864. This battle was important because Confederate Cavalry Corps commander J.E.B. Stuart was mortally wounded here.
Gibbs and his regiment fought bravely at the Battle of Trevilian Station on June 11–12, 1864. This was the largest all-cavalry battle of the Civil War. During this intense battle, Gibbs became overcome by sunstroke and had to leave the field.
Fighting in the Shenandoah Valley
Gibbs's brigade was sent to the Shenandoah Valley on August 6, 1864. He was with Sheridan in all the battles there. Gibbs commanded the Reserve Brigade for much of this time. He was promoted to brigadier general on October 19, 1864, after the decisive Battle of Cedar Creek. This promotion became official in December 1864.
On August 11, 1864, Gibbs's 19th New York Cavalry fought a large Confederate force at the Battle of Newtown. Even though they were outnumbered, they held their ground with their 7-shot Spencer repeating rifles until reinforcements arrived.
At the Battle of Opequon on September 19, 1864, Gibbs's regiment attacked Confederate outposts. They helped break the Confederate infantry lines, causing many casualties and taking prisoners.
After his promotion, Gibbs led the Third Brigade of the 1st Division. He led his brigade on Sheridan's raid against important Confederate railroads and canals in February and March 1865.
Petersburg and Appomattox
Gibbs's brigade returned to the Siege of Petersburg with Sheridan on March 26, 1865. His brigade included several U.S. Cavalry Regiments and volunteer cavalry units.
On March 31, 1865, Gibbs's brigade fought in the Battle of Dinwiddie Court House. They helped hold back a Confederate advance. On April 1, 1865, they played a major role in the Battle of Five Forks. This battle led to the collapse of the Confederate position and forced them to abandon Petersburg and Richmond.
Gibbs's brigade also fought at the Battle of Sayler's Creek on April 6, 1865. Three days later, General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House, where Gibbs was present.
After the war, Gibbs's brigade marched in the grand review in Washington on May 23, 1865.
Awards and Post-War Service
Alfred Gibbs received honorary ranks of brevet major general in both the U.S. Volunteers and the Regular Army. These awards were for his distinguished service at the Battle of Trevilian Station, the Third Battle of Winchester, and the Battle of Five Forks.
He continued to serve in the regular army after the war. He was a major in the 7th United States Cavalry. He served at various forts in Kansas. General Gibbs died while on active duty at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, on December 26, 1868. He is buried in Saint Mary's Episcopal Churchyard in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.
Family
Alfred Gibbs's son, John Blair Gibbs, was an acting assistant surgeon in the U.S. Navy. He was killed in action during the Spanish–American War in Cuba on June 12, 1898. A monument stands for him and five Marines who died with him at Guantanamo Bay Naval Station. He is buried near his father. Another son, Alfred W. Gibbs, became a famous mechanical engineer.
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Alfred Gibbs
