Charles B. Stoughton facts for kids
Charles Bradley Stoughton (born October 31, 1841 – died January 17, 1898) was an important officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He led a group of soldiers called a regiment.
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Early Life and Education
Charles B. Stoughton was born in Chester, Vermont, on October 31, 1841. His parents were Henry Evander and Laura Stoughton. Charles went to school in Bellows Falls, Vermont. He graduated from Norwich University in 1861. He had planned to study law, but he decided to join the Army instead to help his country.
Military Service in the Civil War
Charles Stoughton joined the army on August 1, 1861. He became a Captain and served as the adjutant for the 4th Vermont Infantry. An adjutant is like a chief assistant to the commander. His brother, Edwin H. Stoughton, was the Colonel leading this regiment.
Rising Through the Ranks
Charles Stoughton was promoted to Major on February 25, 1862. He fought in all the battles his regiment was part of during the Peninsula Campaign. This was a big military plan by the Union Army.
He was promoted again to Lieutenant Colonel on July 17, 1862. He fought bravely at the Battle of Crampton's Gap. There, his regiment captured 121 enemy soldiers and their flags. He also served at the Battle of Antietam in September 1862.
In November 1862, his brother was promoted to Brigadier General. Charles Stoughton then took command of the 4th Vermont Infantry and was promoted to Colonel.
Leading in Battle
Colonel Stoughton led his regiment at the Battle of Fredericksburg on December 13, 1862. The 4th Vermont suffered 56 casualties in this tough battle. He later reported that his regiment's flags were "completely riddled" with bullet holes. Even the top of the flag staff was shot off, but they saved it.
He continued to lead his soldiers in other important battles. These included Marye's Heights, Battle of Salem Church, and the famous Battle of Gettysburg.
Wounded in Action
On July 10, 1863, during the Union army's chase of the Confederate Army, Stoughton was badly wounded. This happened near Funkstown, Maryland. He lost his right eye because of this injury. He had to leave the army on February 2, 1864, due to his wounds.
After the war ended, he was given an honorary promotion to Brigadier General. This was to recognize his loyal and excellent service.
Life After the War
After the war, Stoughton studied law with his father. He became a lawyer and worked in New York City with his uncle, Edwin W. Stoughton.
He also stayed connected with Norwich University, where he had studied. He was a trustee there from 1871 to 1887. The university gave him honorary degrees, including a Master of Arts in 1872 and a Doctor of Laws in 1884.
Later Years and Passing
In his later years, Stoughton practiced law in New Haven, Connecticut. He lived there after he retired. As his health declined, he moved to the Vermont Soldiers Home in Bennington, Vermont. He passed away there on January 17, 1898. He was buried at the Immanuel Cemetery in Bellows Falls, Vermont.
His Family
In April 1869, Charles Stoughton married Ada Ripley Hooper from Boston, Massachusetts. They had one son and five daughters: Bradley, Laura, Leila, Mildred, and Isabel.
One of his daughters, Mildred Stoughton, married Benjamin I. Spock. Their son was Dr. Benjamin Spock, who became a very famous pediatrician (a doctor for children) and a peace activist.
Images for kids
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Stoughton as shown in a book from 1907 called History of the Town of Rockingham, Vermont
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