Daniel White (general) facts for kids

Daniel White (1833–1895) was an important military leader from Maine. He served as a general for the Union Army during the American Civil War.

Daniel White's Story

Early Life and Adventures

Daniel White was born in 1833 in Winterport, Maine. This town is close to Bangor. His father was a sea captain, which meant he traveled a lot.

When Daniel was 22, in 1855, he went to California. He spent a year there looking for gold. After his adventure, he came back to Bangor. He then started his own business making things.

Fighting in the Civil War

In 1861, the American Civil War began. Daniel White quickly joined the fight. He helped create a group of soldiers for the 2nd Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment. This was the very first group of soldiers to leave Maine for the war.

Daniel led his company of soldiers. In 1863, his regiment finished its service. But Daniel didn't stop fighting. He joined another group, the 31st Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment. The next year, he was promoted to Colonel. This meant he was in charge of many soldiers.

Captured in Battle

During a major battle called the Battle of the Crater, Daniel White faced a tough challenge. This battle was part of the Richmond-Petersburg Campaign. He was captured by the Confederate forces.

Daniel was held as a prisoner of war for seven months. This was a very difficult time. Eventually, he was released in a prisoner exchange. This is when each side trades prisoners. In 1865, he was given an honorary promotion to Brigadier General.

Life After the War

After the war ended, Daniel White returned home. He started a new business in Bangor. He ran a factory that made soap.

He also stayed involved with other veterans. He was an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic. This was a group for soldiers who fought for the Union. Daniel White passed away in Boston in 1895. He is buried in Mount Hope Cemetery in Bangor.