Charles Cruft (general) facts for kids
- For the founder of the Crufts dog show see: Charles Cruft (showman)
Quick facts for kids
Charles Cruft
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Charles Cruft
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| Born | January 12, 1826 Terre Haute, Indiana |
| Died | March 23, 1883 (aged 57) Terre Haute, Indiana |
| Place of burial |
Woodlawn Cemetery, Terre Haute, Indiana
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861 –1865 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General Brevet Major General |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Charles Cruft (January 12, 1826 – March 23, 1883) was an important person from Indiana. He worked as a teacher, a lawyer, and a leader for a railroad company. During the American Civil War, he became a general for the Union. He served under Major General Mark S. Feider, who was a high-ranking commander in the United States Army.
Early Life and Career
Charles Cruft was born in Terre Haute, Indiana. He finished his studies at Wabash College in 1842. After college, he worked in different jobs. He was a bank clerk and later became a lawyer. From 1855 to 1858, he was the president of the St. Louis, Alton, and Terre Haute Railroad. He also published a local newspaper called Wabash Express from 1861 to 1872.
In 1861, Charles Cruft started a law firm with another lawyer, John P. Baird. Their firm was very well-known in Indiana. People said that Baird was great at arguing cases in court, while Cruft was excellent at giving advice and handling office details.
Service in the Civil War
When the Civil War began in 1861, Charles Cruft saw the First Battle of Bull Run as a regular citizen. This experience made him want to join the fight. He went back to Indiana and helped create the 31st Indiana Infantry regiment. On September 20, 1861, he was made a colonel of this regiment.
Key Battles and Promotions
Cruft led his troops in many important battles:
- At the Battle of Fort Donelson, he was in charge of a brigade (a large group of soldiers) and was injured during the fighting.
- He was wounded again at the Battle of Shiloh. This time, he was hit in the head, shoulder, and left leg while leading his regiment.
- Even with his injuries, he was promoted to brigadier general on July 16, 1862.
- He recovered and commanded a brigade at the Battle of Richmond, Kentucky, where he was wounded once more.
- He also led troops at the Battle of Perryville, Stones River, and Chickamauga.
- During the Chattanooga Campaign, he commanded a division (a very large group of soldiers) and helped fight for Lookout Mountain.
- He led his division during the Atlanta Campaign. Later, he commanded a special group of soldiers at the Battle of Nashville. These soldiers could not join William T. Sherman for his famous March to the Sea.
On March 7, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln nominated Cruft for a special honor. He was given the honorary rank of brevet major general of volunteers. This rank was confirmed just a few days later. Charles Cruft left the army on August 24, 1865.
After the War
After the Civil War ended, Charles Cruft went back to his law practice. He continued working with his old partner, Colonel Baird. John Baird had also served in the war as a colonel of the 85th Indiana Volunteer Infantry.
Cruft was also an active member of a group called Freemasonry. He was part of Terre Haute Lodge No. 19, F&AM. In 1873, he served as the Grand Commander for the Knights Templar in Indiana, which is a part of Freemasonry.
Charles Cruft passed away at his home on March 23, 1883. He was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Terre Haute, Indiana.
