Andrew H. Embler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
General
Andrew H. Embler
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Major Andrew Embler in 1914
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| Nickname(s) | “The General” |
| Born | June 29, 1834 Montgomery, NY |
| Died | July 28, 1918 (aged 84) New Haven, CT |
| Buried |
Evergreen Cemetery, New Haven, CT
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| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Rank | Major General |
| Unit |  Company H, 71st New York State Militia Company E, 82nd New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment Company D, 59th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment |
| Commands held | Company E, 82nd New York Volunteer Infantry Company D, 59th New York Volunteer Infantry |
| American Civil War | Battle of Boydton Plank Road Battle of First Bull Run Battle of Antietam |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
| Spouse(s) | Maria Elanora Dickerson |
| Other work | Southern New England Telephone Company |
Andrew Henry Embler (June 29, 1834 – July 28, 1918) was an important officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He earned the country's highest award for bravery, the Medal of Honor. This award was given for his actions during the Battle of Boydton Plank Road in Virginia on October 27, 1864. After the war, he also served as the top military officer for Connecticut for two years.
Contents
Military Service in the Civil War
Andrew H. Embler was born in Montgomery, New York on June 29, 1834. He joined the 71st New York State Militia very soon after the Battle of Fort Sumter. This battle marked the start of the American Civil War.
Early Battles and Injuries
Andrew Embler became a first lieutenant in his unit. He was hurt in the hip during the First Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861. After he got better, he was promoted to captain. He then commanded Company E of the 82nd New York Volunteer Infantry. He led his unit in the Battle of Antietam and was wounded again on September 17, 1862.
Heroism at Boydton Plank Road
During the Siege of Petersburg in Virginia in October 1864, the Union Army tried to capture a key supply route. This route was called Boydton Plank Road. Captain Embler was now leading Company D of the 59th New York Volunteer Infantry. His unit played a very important role in the battle.
Captain Embler bravely led his soldiers in an attack against the main Confederate forces. This allowed the Union Army to set up a strong defense on the road. The Union Army, led by Major General Winfield Scott Hancock, won a tactical victory. For his brave actions in this battle, Captain Embler was given the Medal of Honor.
Captain Embler continued to serve in the Union Army until the war ended. He was present at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park in April 1865. This is where the Confederate Army officially surrendered. For his service, he was given the honorary rank of lieutenant colonel.
Life After the War
After the war, Andrew Embler returned to Montgomery, New York. However, he soon moved to Connecticut to find new business chances. In 1878, he helped start the District Telephone Company of New Haven. This company later became the Southern New England Telephone Company.
In 1877, he joined the First Company Governor's Foot Guard. He served as the Major Commandant from February 1881 to January 1882. Because he was a respected businessman and a war hero, Governor Morgan Bulkeley appointed him to a high military position. On January 10, 1890, he became the adjutant general and was given the rank of major general.
Personal Life
Andrew Embler married Maria Elanora Dickerson (July 11, 1839 – August 8, 1927). She was from Minisink Ford, New York. Around June 1918, General Embler attended a special service. This service honored soldiers from New Haven who had died in France during World War I.
It is thought that he caught pneumonia at this event. Combined with his weakening health, he passed away on July 28, 1918, at the age of 84. His wife, Maria, lived for another nine years in New Haven. She passed away at the age of 88. Both Andrew and Maria Embler are buried at Evergreen Cemetery in New Haven.
Images for kids
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Major Andrew Embler in 1914
