Andrew K. Campbell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Andrew K. Campbell
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|---|---|
| Born | January 1, 1828 Virginia, USA |
| Died | May 12, 1867 (aged 39) Paris, Illinois |
| Place of burial |
Paris, Illinois
|
| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–65 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant Colonel |
| Commands held |  66th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | merchant, tailor |
Andrew K. Campbell (1828–1867) was an important officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was the last official leader of the 66th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
Contents
Early Life and Work
Andrew K. Campbell was born in Virginia in 1828. Later, he moved to Terre Haute, Indiana, where he married Eliza J. Henbest.
He then moved to Paris, Illinois. There, he worked as a tailor, making clothes. Records show that he was also involved in politics in Illinois.
Joining the Civil War
Becoming a Captain
From August to September 1861, Campbell helped gather a group of men for the army. They went to Benton Barracks in St. Louis, Missouri, to join the military.
Campbell was made a captain of Company E. This group was part of Birge's Western Sharpshooters. This unit later became known as the 66th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
Early Battles and Campaigns
From December 1861 to early February 1862, Captain Campbell took part in a military campaign in north-central Missouri. On February 4, 1862, Campbell and his regiment traveled by steamboat. They landed at Fort Henry, Tennessee.
From there, they marched to Fort Donelson. Campbell's regiment fought in the important Battle of Fort Donelson. The next month, the regiment also fought in the Battle of Shiloh. However, Campbell was not present for that battle.
The Corinth Campaign
The regiment then joined the Corinth Campaign. They served as guards in Corinth, Mississippi. This happened after the Confederate general, P. G. T. Beauregard, left the city in May 1862.
In early October, Confederate armies tried to take back Corinth. Campbell's unit, the Western Sharpshooters, fought bravely on October 4, 1862. This was during the second day of the Second Battle of Corinth. They fought against Confederate soldiers in the woods.
Colonel Thomas William Sweeny, who saw the fight, said the Sharpshooters "fought like heroes." Captain Campbell was not at this battle either. On November 20, 1862, the regiment was placed under the control of the state of Illinois.
Promotions and Later Service
On April 29, 1863, Campbell was promoted to major. Illinois Governor Richard Yates ordered this promotion. It was because of Campbell's "gallant conduct" (brave actions) at the battles of Shiloh and Second Corinth.
Major Campbell was transferred to General Sweeny's staff. This meant he could not join his regiment in many of the battles of the Atlanta Campaign. Captain William S. Boyd led the regiment in the field during this time.
Campbell was present at Decatur, Georgia, on July 22, 1864. He was wounded there. On September 15, 1864, Governor Yates promoted Campbell again. He became a lieutenant colonel. Campbell left the army with his regiment on July 7, 1865.
After the War
After the war ended, Andrew K. Campbell went back to Paris, Illinois. He passed away there on May 12, 1867.
