Benjamin Lloyd Beall facts for kids

Benjamin Lloyd Beall (1801–1863) was an important officer in the United States Army. He served in the U.S. Cavalry during several major conflicts. These included the American Indian Wars, the Mexican–American War, and the American Civil War.

Early Life of Benjamin Beall

Benjamin Beall was born in 1801 at Fort Adams in Rhode Island. His father, Lloyd Beall, was also a career army officer. Benjamin had two brothers, Lloyd James Beall and John, who also became army officers.

When Benjamin was just 13 years old, he was accepted into the West Point military academy in January 1814. He arrived as a confident young person. He even joked about having a "pointer and a liquor flask." He described his cadet uniform as fancy, with an "embroidered coat, tights, high top boots with tassels, cocked hat & sword."

In June 1818, Benjamin was in his fourth year at West Point. However, he was still placed in the third (sophomore) class. Because of this, he decided to leave without permission. On October 16, 1818, he was officially removed from the academy.

Even though he left West Point, Benjamin's military journey wasn't over. In 1818, with help from friends of his late father, he got a job as a clerk. This job was with the War Department, where he worked for the next 18 years.

Serving in the Seminole War

On June 1, 1836, Beall was chosen as captain of the Washington City Volunteers. He officially joined the army on June 8, 1836. He became a Captain in the Second Dragoons. This regiment was formed to fight the Seminole Indians in Florida.

Captain Beall was known for his bravery. General William J. Worth once said that Beall "has met the enemy in this contest, oftener, perhaps, than any other officer." He also called Beall "brave and generous."

On March 15, 1837, Captain Beall was given a special honor. He was made a brevet major. A "brevet" rank is a temporary higher rank given for special achievements. He earned this for his "gallantry and successful service" against the Florida Indians.

Western Service and the Mexican War

In 1842, Captain Beall was stationed at Fort Washita on the Red River. His daughter, Elizabeth L. Beall, got married there.

In April 1846, Beall was in San Antonio, Texas. He was ordered to guide German immigrants to Fredericksburg and the Pedernales River.

During the Mexican–American War, Beall was promoted again. On February 16, 1847, he became a major in the U.S. 1st Dragoon Regiment. He received another special honor on March 16, 1848. He was made a brevet lieutenant colonel for his role in the Battle of Santa Cruz de Rosales.

After the Mexican War, Beall was in charge of the New Mexico Territory until February 1848. He went on a few missions with famous guide Kit Carson. They tried to catch Apache groups who were causing trouble. In February 1848, he moved his regiment to El Paso. There, he helped establish Fort Bliss. He only stayed there for a few months and didn't build any of the fort himself.

Western Service and the Civil War

Beall continued to serve on the western frontier for several more years. On March 3, 1855, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel of the First Dragoons Regiment. He took command of the Department of California on October 17, 1860. He became the commander because he was the highest-ranking officer after General Newman S. Clarke passed away.

When the American Civil War began, Colonel Thomas T. Fauntleroy resigned. Benjamin Beall was promoted to colonel on May 3, 1861, and took command of the First Dragoons Regiment. On August 3, 1861, the regiment's name was changed to the "First Regiment of Cavalry." From September to October 1861, Colonel Beall commanded the District of Oregon.

In late 1861, his regiment was moved. They traveled by steamship from the Pacific Coast, through Panama, and then to Washington, D.C. They arrived by the end of January 1862. Colonel Beall retired from active duty on February 15, 1862. He passed away in Maryland on August 16, 1863.