Charles H. Tracy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles H. Tracy
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| Born | October 3, 1833 Jewett City, Connecticut |
| Died | September 13, 1911 (aged 77) Somerville, Massachusetts |
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| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | August, 1862 - July 4, 1865 |
| Rank |  Second Lieutenant |
| Unit |  Company A, 37th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Charles H. Tracy was a brave soldier. He fought in the American Civil War. He earned the highest military award, the Medal of Honor. He received it for two acts of courage.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Charles H. Tracy was born on October 3, 1833. His hometown was Jewett City, Connecticut. After school, he learned to be a machinist. This means he worked with machines. In 1853, he married Mary Elisabeth Corbin. They moved to Chicopee, Massachusetts. They lived there until 1890. Charles worked in cotton mills, which are factories that make cloth.
Military Service in the Civil War
Joining the Army
In August 1862, Charles Tracy joined the army. He enlisted in Chicopee, Massachusetts. He became part of Company A, 37th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. This group was officially ready for service in September 1862.
Acts of Bravery
Charles Tracy was a sergeant during the war. He showed great bravery two times. His first brave act happened on May 12, 1864. This was during the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House. The battle took place in Virginia. His second brave act was on April 2, 1865. This happened during the Third Battle of Petersburg. This battle was also in Virginia. Because of his courage, he was promoted. He became a second lieutenant.
Veteran Associations
After the war, Charles Tracy stayed involved. He was a founding member of the Otis Chapman Post 103. This group was part of the Grand Army of the Republic. It was for Civil War veterans. He was a leader of this group for three years. He also joined another post in Charlestown later. He was also a member and former president of the Thirty-Seventh Massachusetts Regiment Association. This group was for soldiers from his old regiment.
Life After the War
From 1888 to 1890, Tracy worked for the United States arsenal. This was in Springfield, Massachusetts. In 1890, he moved to Boston, Massachusetts. He worked as a night watchman. He worked at the Custom House Tower for 16 years. He stopped working in 1906 due to poor health. He lived in Charlestown, Massachusetts during this time. He was well-known and respected there. His wife passed away in 1905. After retiring, he moved to Somerville, Massachusetts in 1907. He lived there for the rest of his life. Charles H. Tracy passed away on September 13, 1911. He had suffered a stroke.
See also
