Charles W. Roberts facts for kids

Charles Wentworth Roberts (born 1828, died 1898) was an important figure during the American Civil War. He served as a colonel in the Union Army. Later, he was given the special honorary rank of brevet brigadier general for his service. Roberts was born in Old Town, Maine, and went to Bowdoin College. He spent most of his life in Bangor, Maine. His father, Amos M. Roberts, was a very successful lumber merchant in the area.

Early Life and Family

Charles Wentworth Roberts was born in Old Town, Maine, in 1828. He grew up in a well-known family. His father, Amos M. Roberts, was a rich lumber merchant in Bangor, Maine. In fact, in 1840, his father was considered the wealthiest person in Bangor. Charles went to college at Bowdoin College. After finishing his studies, he lived most of his life in Bangor.

Joining the Civil War

When the Civil War began in 1861, Charles Wentworth Roberts joined the Union Army. He became a lieutenant colonel in the 2nd Maine Infantry Regiment. This was the very first group of soldiers from Maine to leave the state. They responded to President Abraham Lincoln's request for volunteers. This call came after the attack on Fort Sumter, which started the war.

Rising Through the Ranks

The original colonel of the 2nd Maine Regiment, Charles Davis Jameson, was promoted. This meant that Charles Wentworth Roberts then became the colonel of the regiment. He led his soldiers in many important battles.

War Experiences and Challenges

Colonel Roberts was a brave leader during the war. At the Second Battle of Bull Run, he was commanding a group of soldiers. During this battle, his horse was shot out from under him. He was leading this group because General John H. Martindale was sick with typhoid fever.

Leaving the Army

In 1863, Roberts had to leave the army because of poor health. Colonel George Varney took over his command on January 10, 1863. Varney had already led the regiment in the Battle of Fredericksburg. During that battle, he was injured in the head by a shell.

Honorary General Rank

Even after leaving the army, Roberts was recognized for his service. President Andrew Johnson nominated him for an honorary rank. This rank was brevet brigadier general of the United States Volunteers. The U.S. Senate approved this special honor on April 10, 1866. It was made official as if it had happened on March 13, 1865. A "brevet" rank is an honorary promotion. It is given for brave or distinguished service. It does not mean a higher pay or command.

Life After the War

After the Civil War, Charles Wentworth Roberts returned to Bangor. He built a large and fancy house there. It was designed in the Second Empire style. His father's similar house was right next door. Both of these homes are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are important historical buildings.

Political Life

The Roberts family in Bangor were known as "War Democrats." This meant they were part of the Democratic Party. This was different from the local Republican Party, which was led by Vice President Hannibal Hamlin. In 1875, Charles Wentworth Roberts ran for governor of Maine. He was the Democratic Party candidate. However, he lost the election to another former Civil War general, Republican Seldon Connor. Roberts' sister, Fannie, married U.S. Congressman John A. Peters. He was also a Democrat from Bangor who later joined the Republican Party.

Legacy

Charles Wentworth Roberts is one of eight Civil War generals buried at Mount Hope Cemetery in Bangor. His life shows how people from Maine contributed to the Civil War and to politics afterward.