Caleb W. Dorsey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Caleb W Dorsey
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Carte De Visite
Brown & Scholten, St Louis, Missouri |
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| Born | September 7, 1833 Baltimore County, Maryland |
| Died | April 21, 1896 (aged 62) Tuolumne County, California |
| Buried |
Stockton Rural Cemetery
Stockton, California |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
Missouri State Guard Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861-1864 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Unit | Slayback`s Missouri Cavalry Regiment |
| Commands held | 4th Cavalry Regiment (MSG) Dorsey`s Missouri Cavalry Battalion |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Caleb W. Dorsey (born September 7, 1833 – died April 21, 1896) was an important person in American history. He was a soldier during the American Civil War, fighting for the Confederate States of America. After the war, he moved to California. There, he became a successful rancher and miner. He also served as a politician, becoming a member of the California State Assembly.
Contents
Caleb Dorsey's Military Service
Before the Civil War began, Caleb Dorsey lived in Pike County, Missouri. He served in the United States Cavalry from 1855 to 1861. This was his first experience as a soldier.
Fighting in the Civil War
When the Civil War started, Dorsey joined the Missouri State Guard. He became a Major in the 4th Cavalry Regiment. He was given permission to gather his own group of soldiers. He became a colonel of this new unit.
His regiment faced a tough battle at Battle of Mount Zion Church in December 1861. Many soldiers were lost there. Caleb Dorsey himself was captured by the enemy in February 1862.
Later War Efforts
After being released, Dorsey led a cavalry group in Arkansas in November 1862. This group fought in several small battles. It eventually broke up in 1863.
Dorsey was still in command of his "Missouri Squadron" during the battle of Fayetteville, Arkansas, in April 1863. In 1864, he tried to recruit more soldiers in Missouri. He wanted to join a large raid led by Sterling Price. However, he couldn't connect with the main forces. He eventually made his way to Arkansas with a smaller group. These soldiers joined another group to form a new regiment. Dorsey served as a Lieutenant Colonel in this new unit.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, Caleb Dorsey moved to California. He started a large ranch in Stanislaus County with his brothers. This ranch was near the town of Oakdale.
Ranching and Mining
Besides farming, the Dorsey brothers also bred and raced fast horses called thoroughbreds. Caleb Dorsey also owned and operated several mining claims. This means he had rights to dig for valuable minerals.
Politics and Public Service
Caleb Dorsey was also active in politics. From 1869 to 1873, he served on the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors. This group helps manage the county. Later, in 1877 and 1878, he became a member of the California State Assembly. He represented the 22nd Assembly District.
His Death
Caleb Dorsey operated one of his mines, the Snell Mine, in Tuolumne County. It was near Columbia. On April 21, 1896, he visited the mine with his business partner, J. T. Newcomer. During this visit, an argument happened between them. This argument sadly led to Dorsey's death.
