Daniel Chaplin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Daniel Chaplin
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| Born | January 22, 1820 Red Bank, Canada |
| Died | August 20, 1864 (aged 44) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Buried |
Mount Hope Cemetery, Bangor, Maine
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| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1864 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Major General |
| Unit | 2nd Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment |
| Commands held | 1st Maine Heavy Artillery Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Daniel Chaplin (born January 22, 1820 – died August 20, 1864) was an important officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He is known for leading the 1st Maine Heavy Artillery Regiment. This group faced very tough fighting during the Siege of Petersburg. Sadly, Chaplin was shot by an enemy sharpshooter and died a few days later.
Contents
Early Life and Joining the War
Daniel Chaplin was born in Red Bank, New Brunswick, Canada, in 1820. When he was about three years old, his family moved to Bridgton, Maine. He lived there until he was around 21. Later, he worked as a clerk in Bangor, Maine.
When the American Civil War began in 1861, Daniel Chaplin decided to join the army. He started as a private soldier in Company F of the 2nd Maine Infantry Regiment. This regiment was formed in Bangor.
Rising Through the Ranks
Chaplin quickly showed he was a good leader.
- On May 28, 1861, he was chosen to be a Captain.
- On September 13, 1861, he was promoted to Major.
- On July 11, 1862, he became a Colonel. He was put in charge of the Eighteenth Maine Regiment.
- In January 1863, this regiment changed its name to the First Maine Heavy Artillery.
Key Battles and Legacy
Colonel Chaplin led his troops in several important battles. One of the most difficult was during the Siege of Petersburg. His regiment, the 1st Maine Heavy Artillery, made a brave attack against enemy defenses. This attack led to a very high number of casualties for a single Union regiment in one action. Many soldiers were killed or wounded.
Chaplin survived this intense battle. However, on August 17, 1864, he was overseeing his soldiers after the Battle of Deep Bottom. A Confederate sharpshooter shot him. He was taken to a hospital in Philadelphia but died four days later.
A Soldier's Tribute
Daniel Chaplin is buried in Mount Hope Cemetery in Bangor. After his death, he was honored for his brave service. He was given the honorary rank of Brigadier General and then Major General. These honors were for his "gallant and meritorious services" during the Battle of Deep Bottom.
A book about the First Maine Heavy Artillery described him as a natural soldier. It said he was brave and cared deeply for his men. He was seen as a strong and inspiring leader.
