Charles T. Trowbridge facts for kids

Charles Tyler Trowbridge (born January 10, 1835 – died December 24, 1907) was an important American politician from New York. He is best known for being the first person to organize and lead black soldiers during the American Civil War. This was a very brave and groundbreaking thing to do at a time when black soldiers were not officially allowed to fight.

Charles Trowbridge: A Civil War Pioneer

His Early Life

Charles Trowbridge was born on January 10, 1835, in Morris Plains, New Jersey. His parents were Elijah Freeman Trowbridge and Temperance Ludlow Muchmore. In 1854, Charles moved to Brooklyn, New York, with his family. He learned the trade of a mason and builder, which means he worked with bricks and stone to construct buildings. After finishing his training, he started his own building business. He continued this work until the Civil War began.

Leading the Way in the Civil War

In December 1861, Charles Trowbridge joined the 1st New York Volunteer Engineer Regiment. He started as a sergeant in Company F. He worked closely with General David Hunter and traveled with his regiment to the coast of South Carolina.

While there, Trowbridge began training formerly enslaved people who came to the army camp seeking safety. In May 1862, he was made a captain of a new group called the First South Carolina Volunteer Infantry. This was a very early attempt to use black soldiers in the war. However, this unit was temporarily stopped in August. This happened because President Abraham Lincoln and the War Department did not yet allow black soldiers to officially join the army.

But Trowbridge didn't give up! The regiment was started again in November 1862. Trowbridge became the captain of Company A, where his brother, John Augustine, also served. In 1863, Charles was promoted to major. By 1864, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and took command of the entire regiment. This unit later became known as the 33rd United States Colored Infantry Regiment.

Trowbridge and his troops fought bravely in important battles, including the Siege of Morris Island and the capture of Charleston. He was very popular with his soldiers. He often gave speeches about how all races were equal, which was a powerful message at the time. Charles Trowbridge was the first person to organize and lead black troops during the Civil War. However, another unit, led by Colonel Shaw, was the first to be officially recognized and join the army.

Life After the War

After the Civil War ended, Charles Trowbridge returned to Brooklyn. He became involved in politics. In 1872, he was elected as an alderman, which is a member of a city council. He was re-elected in 1874 and also became a town supervisor, overseeing local government.

In 1878, Trowbridge was elected to the New York State Assembly as a Republican. He represented the Kings County 4th District and served in the Assembly in 1879.

In 1882, he moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota. There, he went back to his original trade, working as a contracting brick mason. In 1901, he was given a special job: he became the custodian of the old Minnesota State Capital building. He lived there for the rest of his life.

Family and Later Years

In 1857, Charles Trowbridge married Emeline Haviland Jackson. They had one daughter named Ida Emeline. Sadly, Emeline passed away in 1858. In 1861, Charles married Jane Pooler Martin. They had four children: Jennie Elizabeth, Annie Elford, Charles Henry, and Josephine Temperance.

Charles Trowbridge was also a member of important groups for Civil War veterans, including the Grand Army of the Republic and the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.

Charles Trowbridge died in his room at the old Minnesota State Capital on December 24, 1907. He was buried in Lakewood Cemetery.