Axel H. Reed facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Captain
Axel Hayford Reed
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| Born | 13 March 1831 Hartford, Maine |
| Died | 21 January 1917 (aged 85) Glencoe, Minnesota |
| Buried |
Glencoe City Cemetery
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| Allegiance | United States (Union) |
| Service/ |
Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | Company K, 2nd Minnesota Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
| Other work | Merchant, Farmer |
Axel Hayford Reed (born March 13, 1835 – died January 21, 1917) was a brave Captain in the United States Army. He fought during the American Civil War. He was given the Medal of Honor for his amazing courage. This is the highest award a soldier can receive.
He showed great bravery during two battles in 1863. These were the Battle of Chickamauga in Georgia and the Battle of Missionary Ridge in Tennessee. Even when he was not officially on duty, he chose to join the fight. He later got seriously hurt while leading his soldiers against the enemy.
Contents
Axel Reed's Early Life
Axel Reed was born on March 13, 1835, in Hartford, Maine. He grew up on his father's farm. When he was 19, he moved to Minnesota with only five dollars. He worked hard for several years. He saved enough money to buy 160 acres of land.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, Axel Reed got married in 1869. His wife's name was Nettie Hannah Morrison. They had four children together.
Axel Reed became a successful businessman. He bought a store and traded goods. He also helped bring the first railroads to his county. He even helped start the First National Bank of Glencoe. He was also involved in local government. He served as a representative in the Minnesota Legislature. Axel H. Reed passed away on January 21, 1917, in Glencoe, Minnesota. He is buried in the Glencoe City Cemetery.
Axel Reed's Military Service
Axel Reed joined the army on August 16, 1861. He served with Company K of the 2nd Minnesota Infantry Regiment. He was a Sergeant during the battles of Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge in 1863.
Bravery at Chickamauga
During the battle at Chickamauga, Axel Reed was not at the front lines. But he chose to leave his position. He found a rifle and bravely joined the fight against the Confederates. When his lieutenant was wounded, Axel took charge of his company. After the battle, General George Henry Thomas personally recognized his bravery.
Courage at Missionary Ridge
At the Battle of Missionary Ridge, Axel Reed led his company with great courage. He was among the first soldiers to break through the enemy's defenses. During this charge, he was severely wounded and lost an arm. Even after losing an arm, he refused to leave the army. He fought to stay in active service until the war ended.
For his incredible actions, Axel Reed was awarded the Medal of Honor on April 2, 1898. He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in 1864 and 1st Lieutenant in 1865. He finished his service at Fort Snelling on July 18, 1865.
His Medal of Honor award said:
While in arrest at Chickamagua, Ga., left his place in the rear and voluntarily went to the line of battle, secured a rifle, and fought gallantly during the two-day battle; was released from arrest in recognition of his bravery. At Missionary Ridge Reed commanded his company and gallantly led it, being among the first to enter the enemy's works; was severely wounded, losing an arm, but declined a discharge and remained in active service to the end of the war.
