Charles Adam Heckman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Adam Heckman
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| Born | December 3, 1822 Easton, Pennsylvania |
| Died | January 14, 1896 (aged 73) Germantown, Pennsylvania |
| Buried |
Easton Cemetery, Easton, Pennsylvania
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1846–1847 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 9th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | railroad conductor |
Charles A. Heckman was an important general in the Union Army. This was the army of the northern states during the American Civil War. He fought in many early battles in North Carolina. Later, he served with the Army of the James during the siege of Petersburg.
Contents
Early Life and Military Start
Charles Heckman was born in Pennsylvania in 1822. He finished his studies at Minerva Seminary in 1837. Later, he joined the army as a volunteer. This was during the Mexican War. He became a sergeant before leaving the army in 1848. When he wasn't fighting in wars, Heckman worked as a train conductor. He worked for the New Jersey Central Railroad.
Civil War Service
When the Civil War started, Heckman quickly joined the army. He became a captain in the 1st Pennsylvania Volunteer Regiment. Soon after, he was made a major in the 9th New Jersey Volunteer Regiment. By October 1861, he was a lieutenant colonel. He then joined General Ambrose Burnside's trip to North Carolina.
Battles in North Carolina
Heckman fought bravely at the Battle of Roanoke Island. Just two days later, he was promoted to colonel. He was wounded in battles at New Berne and Young's Crossroads. In November 1862, he was promoted again. He became a brigadier general of U.S. volunteers.
When General Burnside went to Virginia, General John G. Foster took command in North Carolina. In the winter of 1862, Foster led a trip to attack the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad at Goldsboro, North Carolina. General Heckman led a group of soldiers in this important trip. He fought in the battles of Kinston, White Hall, and Goldsboro.
Throughout most of 1863, Heckman was in charge of the area around Beaufort. For a short time, he also commanded the Union defenses at New Bern. By the end of 1863, he was sent to Virginia. There, he commanded the Union soldiers at Newport News, Virginia. He also temporarily led George W. Getty's division in early 1864.
Fighting in Virginia
On April 28, 1864, Heckman was given command of the 1st Brigade. This group was part of the XVIII Corps in the Army of the James. He was wounded at the battle of Port Walthall Junction. Later, he was captured by enemy forces at the battle of Proctor's Creek.
In September 1864, Heckman was exchanged and returned to duty. He was then put in charge of the 2nd Division in the XVIII Corps. Heckman led his division at the battle of Chaffin's Farm. His goal was to support General George J. Stannard's main attack. This attack was against Fort Harrison.
However, Heckman's troops moved too far north. Instead of helping Stannard's division directly, they attacked Confederate trenches. These trenches were near Forts Gilmer and Johnson. This attack was very costly. During the fighting at Fort Harrison, the XVIII Corps commander, Edward O. C. Ord, was badly wounded. Heckman then took command of the entire corps.
With this change in command, the fighting slowed down. The Union forces then built a strong defensive line. After this battle, army commander Benjamin F. Butler decided to replace Heckman. He put his chief of staff, Godfrey Weitzel, in charge of the corps instead. Heckman returned to leading his division. He helped push back a Confederate attack the next day.
End of War and Later Life
In December, Heckman was moved to command the 3rd Division. This was part of the new XXV Corps. For a short time, from January to February 1865, he commanded the XXV Corps. He officially left the army on May 25, 1865. After the war, Heckman went back to working for the New Jersey Central Railroad. He worked as a conductor and a railroad dispatcher.
