Charles Sawyer Russell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Sawyer Russell
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Charles Sawyer Russell
photo taken in 1861 |
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| Born | March 15, 1831 Boston, Massachusetts |
| Died | November 2, 1866 (aged 35) Cincinnati, Ohio |
| Place of burial |
Spring Grove Cemetery,
Cincinnati, Ohio |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 1866 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Unit | 11th U.S. Infantry Regiment 20th U.S. Infantry Regiment |
| Commands held | 28th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Charles Sawyer Russell (born March 15, 1831 – died November 2, 1866) was a brave officer in the United States Army. He served in the Union Army during the American Civil War, which was a very important time in American history.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Charles Sawyer Russell was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1831. His father, John Brooks Russell, was a publisher. In 1855, Charles married Annie Stretcher in Indianapolis, Indiana. They moved to Indiana and had two daughters, Annie Bell and Caroline.
Joining the Civil War
When the Civil War began in 1861, Charles Russell quickly joined the army. He started as a sergeant and then became a captain in the 11th U.S. Infantry Regiment. He was first stationed at Fort Independence in Boston.
Rising Through the Ranks
Russell showed great bravery in battle. He was given special honors, called "brevets," for his actions.
- He was honored as a major for his part in the Battle of Antietam in 1862.
- He was honored as a lieutenant colonel for his excellent service at the Battle of Chancellorsville in 1863.
Leading the 28th U.S. Colored Infantry
In 1864, Russell was promoted to lieutenant colonel. He then helped create and lead the 28th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment. This was a special unit made up of African American soldiers from Indiana.
Russell and his men fought bravely in the Siege of Petersburg in Virginia. During the intense Battle of the Crater in July, his regiment lost many soldiers. For his courage in this battle, Russell was honored as a colonel and later as a brigadier general.
Later War Service
In August 1864, Russell was promoted to colonel. He led different groups of soldiers, called brigades, in the Army of the Potomac. Later, he moved to the Army of the James and continued to lead brigades there.
End of the War and Legacy
Charles Russell and his 28th U.S. Colored Infantry were among the first Union soldiers to enter Richmond when it fell in April 1865. This was a huge victory for the Union.
After the war, his regiment was officially released from service in November 1865. They returned to Indianapolis and received a warm welcome. In September 1866, Russell joined the 20th U.S. Infantry Regiment. He moved with his new regiment to Cincinnati, Ohio. Sadly, he died there in November 1866 during a serious illness outbreak.
Charles Sawyer Russell is buried at Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati. He is remembered as a dedicated officer who played an important role in the Civil War, especially in leading African American troops.
Images for kids
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Charles Sawyer Russell in 1861
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Insignia of a Union Army Colonel
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Insignia of a Union Army Brigadier General
