Amasa Tracy facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Amasa Tracy
From the January 1908 edition of The Vermonter magazine
Born	(1829-03-15)March 15, 1829 Dover, Maine
Died	February 26, 1908(1908-02-26) (aged 78) Middlebury, Vermont
Place of burial	West Cemetery
Allegiance	United States of America Union
Service/branch	United States Army Union Army
Years of service	1861–65
Rank	Lieutenant Colonel
Commands held	2nd Vermont Infantry
Battles/wars	American Civil War - Bull Run - Lee's Mills - Williamsburg - Golding's Farm - Battle of Savage's Station - Battle of White Oak Swamp - Crampton's Gap - Antietam - Fredericksburg - Charleston - Battle of Opequon - Winchester - Battle of Fisher's Hill - Mount Jackson - Battle of Cedar Creek - Petersburg, March 25, 1865 - Battle of Sayler's Creek
Awards	Medal of Honor
Other work	Civil servant

Amasa Sawyer Tracy (born March 16, 1829 – died February 26, 1908) was a brave officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery a soldier can get.

Early Life and Work

Growing Up in Maine

Amasa Tracy was born in Dover, Maine on March 16, 1829. He was the third child in his family. He went to school at an academy in Farmington, Maine. When he was 15, he moved to Uxbridge, Massachusetts to find a job. Later, he moved to Vermont. He worked as a carpenter there. He continued this work until the American Civil War began.

Military Career

Joining the Union Army

When he was 32 years old, Amasa Tracy joined the army. He enlisted in a company formed in Vergennes, Vermont. His fellow soldiers chose him to be a first lieutenant. His unit became part of the Second Regiment, Vermont Volunteer Infantry. He officially joined the U.S. Army on June 20, 1861.

Early Battles and Promotions

Soon after joining, Tracy and his regiment went to Washington, D.C. In July, his regiment joined other units. They formed a brigade under Colonel O. O. Howard. Tracy was appointed as a provost marshal, which meant he helped keep order. His first major battle was the Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861. After this battle, his regiment became part of the famous Vermont Brigade.

In February 1862, Tracy was promoted to captain. He then became a major in April 1864. Later that same year, he was promoted again to lieutenant colonel. He led his regiment until the war ended.

Bravery and Awards

Tracy was recognized for his bravery. He was given the honorary rank of colonel for his courage. This was for his actions during the final attack on the enemy lines at Petersburg, Virginia, on April 2, 1865. He also commanded the Vermont Brigade at the Battle of Cedar Creek. This battle took place in the Shenandoah Valley. He was the first officer to meet General Sheridan when he arrived at Cedar Creek. General Sheridan then reformed his battle line using Tracy's brigade. For his outstanding service at the Battle of Cedar Creek, Tracy received the Medal of Honor.

Wounds and Engagements

Amasa Tracy was wounded twice during the war. He was severely injured at Marye's Heights on May 3, 1863. He was also wounded at Cedar Creek on October 19, 1864. He fought in many important battles during the Civil War. These included:

• Bull Run
• Lee's Mills
• Williamsburg
• Antietam
• Fredericksburg
• Charleston
• Opequon
• Winchester
• Cedar Creek
• Petersburg
• Sayler's Creek

He served in the Civil War for a little over four years.

Life After the War

Civilian Life and Public Service

After returning from the war, Amasa Tracy owned a store in Middlebury, Vermont. He then served as the town's postmaster for twelve years. For the next six years, he worked making carriages. Later, he became a U.S. customs agent. He worked in several Vermont towns, including Burlington and St. Albans. He lived in North Troy for at least six years, working as a deputy collector of customs.

Family Life

Amasa Tracy married Helen Sarah Dow in February 1849. They lived in her father's house in Leicester, Vermont. Sadly, his wife died in August of the same year. Tracy then moved to Massachusetts. Six years later, he moved back to Middlebury, Vermont. In March 1858, he married Sarah M. Crane. They had six children together. Four of them lived to be adults: Horace C., Lena F., Lillian S., and Charles A. Tracy. Amasa Tracy died in Middlebury, Vermont, and is buried in West Cemetery.