DeWitt Clinton Baxter facts for kids
DeWitt Clinton Baxter (1829–1881) was an American artist and engraver. He was also a brave soldier who served as a colonel and general in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
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Early Life and Art Career
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DeWitt Clinton Baxter was born on March 9, 1829, in Dorchester, Massachusetts. From a young age, he worked as an "engraver," creating detailed pictures. He was also known as a "designer" and "artist."
Baxter even published a special business guide called "The Baxter Panoramic Business Directory" in Philadelphia. He lived and worked in Philadelphia for many years before the Civil War began.
Serving in the Civil War
When the Civil War started in April 1861, Baxter joined the Union Army. He became a Lieutenant Colonel in the 19th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. After his first three-month service, he decided to do more.
Baxter then formed and led a new group of soldiers called the 72nd Pennsylvania Volunteers. They were famously known as "Baxter's Fire Zouaves." These soldiers came from fire companies in Philadelphia. They were easy to spot because of their unique Zouave uniforms and their amazing bayonet drills. People in Philadelphia loved watching their performances!
Baxter was so good at training soldiers that he wrote a book in 1861. It was called "The Volunteer's Manual" and taught new recruits how to train.
Leading Troops in Battle
Baxter was a leader in many important battles during the war:
- He was a Lieutenant Colonel with the 19th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment from April to July 1861.
- He became a Colonel and led the 72nd Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment from July 1861 to July 1863.
- He led his regiment in major campaigns like the Peninsula Campaign and the Antietam Campaign.
- He also fought in the Battle of Fredericksburg and the famous Battle of Gettysburg.
- During the Battle of Gettysburg on July 2, 1863, he was wounded.
- After Gettysburg, he briefly led the Philadelphia Brigade.
- He returned to lead the 72nd Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment again.
- In May 1864, he was seriously wounded at the Battle of Wilderness, shot through his lungs.
- For his bravery and service, he was promoted to brevet brigadier general in March 1865.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, Baxter continued to serve his country. From 1867 to 1871, he worked as a naval officer at the Custom House.
In the mid-1870s, he was involved with a company that made portable forges. He might have even started his "Panoramic Directory" business again.
DeWitt Clinton Baxter passed away on May 9, 1881. His obituary, which is a notice about someone's death, appeared on the front page of a Philadelphia newspaper the next day. He was first buried in Monument Cemetery in Philadelphia. Later, in 1956, he was reburied at Lawnview Memorial Park.
