Caspar Crowninshield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Caspar Crowninshield
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| Born | October 23, 1837 Boston, Massachusetts |
| Died | January 10, 1897 (age 59) Boston, Massachusetts |
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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 |
| Unit | 20th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment |
| Commands held |
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| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Caspar Crowninshield (born October 23, 1837 – died January 10, 1897) was an officer who volunteered to serve in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He came from a well-known family in Boston, Massachusetts.
Early Life and Education
Caspar Crowninshield was born in 1837 into a very important and wealthy family in Boston, Massachusetts. His family, the Crowninshields, were famous for building ships and trading goods by sea. They were also involved in politics. Caspar's grandfather, Benjamin Williams Crowninshield, was even the Secretary of the Navy for two U.S. Presidents, James Madison and James Monroe.
In 1856, Caspar started studying at Harvard College. His roommate there was Robert Gould Shaw. Shaw later became a famous colonel who led the 54th Massachusetts Infantry. This was a very important regiment because it was one of the first made up of African-American soldiers.
After finishing college in 1860, Caspar worked for a short time in his family's business. But when the Civil War began, he decided to join the army as an officer.
Service in the Civil War
Caspar Crowninshield began his military career as a private soldier in 1861. Soon after, he became a captain in the 20th Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. He later transferred to the 1st Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry.
He quickly moved up in rank. By January 1863, he was a major in the 2nd Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry. He became a lieutenant colonel in March 1864 and then a full colonel of the regiment in November 1864.
Colonel Crowninshield sometimes commanded a group of cavalry units in the Union Army of the Shenandoah. This army fought in important battles in the Shenandoah Valley. He was officially discharged from the army on June 16, 1865, after the war ended.
In 1866, President Andrew Johnson honored Caspar Crowninshield. He was given the honorary rank of brevet brigadier general. This special rank recognized his brave service during the war.
Life After the War
After the Civil War, Caspar Crowninshield lived a quiet life. He was described as a "gentleman of leisure," meaning he did not need to work. He passed away on January 10, 1897, in Boston, Massachusetts, at the age of 59. He was buried in Christ Church in Brookline, Massachusetts.
