Charles A. Whittier facts for kids

Charles Albert Whittier (born August 6, 1840 – died May 14, 1908) was an important American soldier. He served as a high-ranking officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Later, he became a brigadier general in the United States Army during the Spanish–American War. Whittier was also known for his work in finance after his military career.

Early Life and Education

Charles Albert Whittier was born in Bangor, Maine, on August 6, 1840. His parents were Joseph Merrill Whittier and Mary Elizabeth Morgan. He was also related to the famous poet and abolitionist, John Greenleaf Whittier.

When Charles was about one year old, his family moved from Maine to Massachusetts. He grew up there and later attended Harvard University, graduating in 1860. After college, he started studying law, but the American Civil War began, changing his plans.

A Soldier's Journey

Charles A. Whittier had a long and brave career in the military. He served in two major wars for the United States.

Fighting in the Civil War

Whittier joined the Union Army as a Second Lieutenant in the 20th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. He quickly moved up in rank. By January 1862, he was a First Lieutenant.

From January 1863, he worked as an aide de camp (a personal assistant) to Major General John Sedgwick. Sedgwick was a leader in the VI Corps of the Army of the Potomac. Whittier was promoted to Captain in April 1863 and then to Major later that month.

He was with General Sedgwick when Sedgwick was sadly killed by a Confederate soldier on May 9, 1864. Whittier continued to serve in the VI Corps until January 1865. He was then promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and moved to the II Corps (Union Army).

After the war ended, in 1866, President Andrew Johnson nominated Whittier to be a brevet brigadier general of volunteers. This was an honorary rank given for his service. The United States Senate approved this appointment. Whittier continued to serve in the regular army until 1870, when he decided to leave the military and become a lawyer.

Life After the Wars

In 1870, Whittier joined the Boston investment bank of Lee, Higginson & Co. as a partner. He played a big part in helping the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway grow. It is said that his efforts helped the railroad's stock price go from $10 to $150 a share during a good time for the Boston Stock Exchange.

Serving in the Spanish–American War

When the Spanish–American War began in 1898, Charles Whittier returned to military service. He became a Lieutenant Colonel and an inspector general in the U.S. Army. He traveled with Major General Wesley Merritt to the Philippines.

Whittier was promoted to brigadier general in August 1898. He finished his service in January 1899.

Personal Life

Charles Whittier was married to Elizabeth Jones "Lilia" Chadwick (1846–1906). Her brother was Dr. James Read Chadwick. Lilia was a well-known person in society, even listed in "The Four Hundred" in 1892, which was a list of New York's most important families.

Together, Charles and Lilia had three children:

• Louise Chadwick Whittier (1872–1886), who passed away when she was young.
• Susan Tucker Whittier (1874–1934), who married Prince Sergei Belosselsky-Belozersky from Russia in 1894.
• Pauline Whittier (1876–1946), who married Ernest Iselin, a banker, in 1904.

In 1880, the Whittiers had a large home built in the Back Bay area of Boston. It was designed by famous architects McKim, Mead & White. They later sold this home. They also had a home in New York City. Charles Whittier was a member of several important clubs, including the Somerset Club in Boston and the Metropolitan Club in New York.

Charles Whittier passed away at sea on May 14, 1908, while aboard the S.S. Mauretania. After a funeral in New York City, he was buried at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Descendants

Through his daughter Susan, Charles Whittier had two grandsons:

• Prince Sergei Sergeivich Belosselsky-Belozersky (1895–1978).
• Prince Andrei Sergeivich Belosselsky-Belozersky (1909–1961).

Through his daughter Pauline, he had a grandson, Ernest Iselin Jr., who was a naval officer, and a granddaughter, Louise Iselin (died 1982).

Published Works

• Whittier, Charles Albert Egotistical Memoirs Typescript (1888)