Charles Smith Hamilton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Smith Hamilton
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Charles Smith Hamilton
photo taken between 1861 and 1862 |
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| Born | November 16, 1822 Westernville, New York |
| Died | April 17, 1891 (aged 68) Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| Place of burial |
Forest Home Cemetery, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1843–1853, 1861–1863 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Battles/wars | Mexican-American War American Civil War |
| Other work | U.S. marshal, manufacturer |
Charles Smith Hamilton (born November 16, 1822 – died April 17, 1891) was an officer in the United States Army. He fought bravely in the Mexican–American War. Later, he became a general for the Union Army during the early years of the American Civil War.
After his time in the army, Hamilton worked in law enforcement. He also became involved in manufacturing.
Early Life and Military Start
Charles Smith Hamilton was born in Westernville, New York. His parents were Zeyn Alasman and Sylvania (Putnam) Hamilton. He went to the United States Military Academy (West Point). He graduated in 1843. He was one of 39 cadets in his class.
After graduating, he became a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He was promoted to first lieutenant in 1847.
During the Mexican–American War, he showed great courage. He earned a special promotion to captain for his actions in the battles of Contreras and Churubusco. He was also injured during the Battle of Molino del Rey.
On February 9, 1849, he married Sophia Jane Shepard in Chicago, Illinois. He left the U.S. Army on April 30, 1853. He then moved to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where he worked as a farmer and miller.
Fighting in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Charles Hamilton chose to support the Union. On May 11, 1861, he became a colonel of the 3rd Wisconsin Infantry. Just six days later, he was promoted to brigadier general.
He was given command of a brigade in Maj. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks's division. This division was part of the Army of the Potomac. At the start of the Peninsula Campaign, Hamilton led the 3rd Division of the III Corps. He commanded this division during the Siege of Yorktown.
However, he had some disagreements with his commander, George B. McClellan. Because of these issues, McClellan removed Hamilton from his command on April 30, 1862. President Abraham Lincoln thought this was unfair. But McClellan insisted that bringing Hamilton back would hurt his army.
Hamilton was then moved to the Western Theater of the war. There, he commanded the 3rd Division in the Army of the Mississippi. He led his troops in the battles of Iuka and Corinth. After the Battle of Corinth in October 1862, he was promoted to major general. This promotion was made official from September 19, 1862.
During his time in the Civil War, Hamilton served in both the eastern and western parts of the country. He commanded different units, including divisions and corps, in several armies. These included the Army of the Potomac, the Army of the Mississippi, and the Army of the Tennessee.
In early 1863, Hamilton was in charge of several military districts and corps at the same time. While commanding at Corinth, he had some disagreements with other generals, which made General Ulysses S. Grant unhappy. When Grant ordered him to Vicksburg to serve under General John Alexander McClernand, Hamilton decided to resign from the U.S. Army. He officially resigned on April 13, 1863. Grant accepted his resignation.
After the War
After leaving the army, Charles Hamilton became a U.S. marshal. This is a job in law enforcement. He also became a paper manufacturer.
He passed away in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1891. He is buried there in Forest Home Cemetery.
Images for kids
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Photo taken between 1861 and 1862
