Charles W. Phifer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Wesley Phifer
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|---|---|
| Born | 1833 Tennessee |
| Died | December 25, 1896 (aged 62) Savannah, Georgia |
| Place of burial |
Laurel Grove Cemetery, Savannah
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| Allegiance |  United States of America Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1855–1861 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  1st Lieutenant (USA) Major (CSA) Brigadier General (acting) |
| Unit | 2nd U.S. Cavalry Regiment |
| Commands held | 6th Arkansas Cavalry Battalion Phifer's Cavalry Brigade |
| Battles/wars | Indian Wars American Civil War |
| Other work | teacher, engineer |
Charles Wesley Phifer (born January 1834 – died December 25, 1896) was an officer in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. He was given the unofficial rank of brigadier general during the war.
Early Life and Education
Charles Wesley Phifer was born in Tennessee in 1833. His family, originally from North Carolina, had German roots. When he was young, his father, who was a farmer, moved the family to Coffeeville, Mississippi.
Phifer went to college at the University of Mississippi. He also studied at the University of North Carolina, where he graduated with honors in 1854.
In 1855, Phifer joined the U.S. Army as a lieutenant. For the next six years, he served in the 2nd Cavalry Regiment. During this time, he was involved in conflicts with Native American tribes on the Texas frontier.
Military Service During the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Charles Phifer left the U.S. Army. He then joined the Confederate army as a lieutenant. In early 1861, he worked in Louisiana, helping to gather soldiers for the Confederate forces.
Later in 1861, he became a major and took command of the 6th Arkansas Cavalry Battalion. He led this group in several small battles in Kentucky during the winter of 1861-1862. After this, he briefly worked for Major General Earl Van Dorn, who was an old friend from his time in the 2nd U.S. Cavalry.
On May 25, 1862, General Van Dorn gave Phifer the temporary rank of acting brigadier general. He led a group of Texas Cavalry soldiers at the Second Battle of Corinth in October 1862. Phifer bravely led his brigade in a difficult attack against the Union army's defenses.
However, he later reported being unwell and missed another battle. On October 16, 1862, Phifer was relieved of his command and temporary rank. He went back to serving as a major. He became an assistant to Colonel Alexander W. Reynolds, another old army friend.
Phifer was captured by Union forces during the Siege of Vicksburg. After being released, he continued to serve on Reynolds's staff. In 1864, he appears to have left active military duty.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, Charles Phifer moved back to Texas. He lived in cities like Galveston and Austin. He married Lutie A. Marshall.
Phifer worked as a teacher and also as a civil engineer. In the 1880s, he worked for the government's Interior Department. He was the superintendent of a school for the Wichita tribe, where his wife also taught.
Around 1890, he moved to Savannah, Georgia. There, he worked part-time selling books. On December 25, 1896, he had an accident. He fell down steps and broke his neck, which led to his death. He is buried in Laurel Grove Cemetery in Savannah.
