Boston Custer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Boston Custer
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Boston Custer
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| Born | October 31, 1848 New Rumley, Ohio |
| Died | June 25, 1876 (aged 27) Little Bighorn, Montana Territory |
| Place of burial |
Woodland Cemetery, Monroe, Michigan
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| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Rank | Civilian contractor |
| Unit | 7th U.S. Cavalry, 1874 - 1876 |
| Battles/wars | |
Boston Custer (born October 31, 1848 – died June 25, 1876) was the youngest brother of U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer. He was also the brother of Medal of Honor winner Captain Thomas Custer. Boston Custer was killed during the famous Battle of the Little Bighorn. He died alongside his two brothers in this important battle.
Early Life of Boston Custer
Boston Custer was born in New Rumley, Ohio. He was one of five children in his family. His parents were Emanuel Henry Custer and Maria Ward Kirkpatrick Custer. In 1863, his family moved from Ohio to Monroe, Michigan.
Boston's older brother, Nevin, became a farmer. This was because he had health problems like asthma and rheumatism. His other older brothers, George and Thomas, joined the military. They became officers in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Boston wanted to join the Army too, but he could not. His own poor health prevented him from officially joining.
Role in the Battle
Boston Custer worked as a civilian contractor. This means he was hired for a specific job, not officially part of the military. He worked for his brother George's U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment. In 1874, he served as a "forage master" during the Black Hills expedition. A forage master helps find food and supplies for the horses and soldiers.
In 1876, he was hired again for an expedition against the Lakota Indians. His jobs included being a guide, finding supplies, packing gear, and scouting. On June 25, 1876, Boston Custer was with the "pack train." This was a group of horses carrying supplies at the back of the troops. His 18-year-old nephew, Henry Armstrong "Autie" Reed, was also with him.
They heard that Lieutenant Colonel George Custer needed ammunition for a fight. Boston and Autie quickly left the pack train. They joined George Custer's main group of soldiers. This group was moving to attack a large Indian village. If Boston and Autie had stayed with the pack train, they might have survived the battle.
Death at Little Bighorn
Boston Custer died in the battle, just like his brothers and nephew. He was killed in an area known as "Last Stand Hill." A special marble marker shows where his body was found.
At first, Boston Custer was buried on the battlefield. Later, his body and Autie Reed's body were dug up. They were the only non-officers whose remains were sent home. On January 8, 1878, they were reburied. Their new resting place was Woodland Cemetery in Monroe, Michigan. This cemetery is near the Monroe County, Michigan Museum today.
In Film
Boston Custer was played by actor Patrick Johnston. This was in the TV miniseries called Son of the Morning Star. The miniseries was released in 1991.
