Bernard Gaines Farrar Jr facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bernard Gaines Farrar Jr.
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| Born | August 5, 1831 St. Louis, Missouri |
| Died | June 6, 1916 (Age 84) St. Louis, Missouri |
| Buried |
Bellefontaine Cemetery, St. Louis
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| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier general |
| Commands held | 30th Missouri Volunteer Infantry 1st Brigade, 1st Division, XV Corps 6th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Bernard Gaines Farrar Jr. (1831–1916) was an important person in American history. He was a businessman in St. Louis before he joined the Union Army during the American Civil War. He started as an aide to a general and rose through the ranks. He even became a brevet Brigadier-General. After the war, he returned to St. Louis. There, he became a well-known leader in politics and the community.
Early Life and Education
Bernard Gaines Farrar Jr. was born on August 5, 1831, in St. Louis, Missouri. His father, Bernard Gaines Farrar Sr., was a doctor. His mother, Ann O’Fallon Clark Thruston, was the niece of the famous explorer William Clark.
Bernard Jr. went to several schools. He studied at St. Louis University, Norwich Military Academy in Vermont, and the University of Virginia. After finishing his education, he came back to St. Louis. He started working in local businesses and real estate.
On June 14, 1852, Farrar married Isabel Jerdone Mitchell. They had four children together: Alexander, Frank, Ann, and Bertie.
Military Service in the Civil War
In 1861, Bernard Farrar Jr. joined the Union Army. The American Civil War had just begun. In May of that year, he became an aide-de-camp for General Nathaniel Lyon. This meant he was a personal assistant to the general.
Early in his service, Farrar helped General Lyon in a plan to remove Missouri's government. This government supported the Confederacy. He was also involved in the Camp Jackson Affair. During this event, he personally delivered a message to Confederate General Frost, telling him to surrender.
After the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, General Lyon died. In October 1861, Farrar was assigned to General Henry Halleck's staff. Farrar then served as the Provost Marshal for the Department of the Missouri until October 1862. A Provost Marshal is like a military police chief.
Later, he helped organize the 30th Missouri Volunteer Infantry and became its Colonel. He served under General Ulysses S. Grant in the Mississippi River campaigns. He commanded a brigade during the important Siege of Vicksburg. After this, he helped form an all-black regiment. This unit later became the 6th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery. Farrar later commanded the District of Natchez. On March 9, 1865, he was given the honorary rank of Brevet Brigadier-General.
Life After the Military
In May 1865, Bernard Farrar Jr. left the military. He returned to live in St. Louis. He was a strong supporter of the Republican Party. He served as a representative for Missouri.
Later, President Harrison appointed him as Missouri’s Assistant U.S. Treasurer. He held this important position for four years.
Bernard Farrar Jr. passed away on June 6, 1916. He was buried at Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.
