Edgar A. Bras facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edgar A. Bras
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| Born | October 6, 1841 Jefferson County, Iowa |
| Died | June 24, 1923 (aged 81) Florida |
| Buried |
Evergreen Cemetery, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
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| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1861 – 1866 |
| Rank | First Sergeant |
| Unit |  8th Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War: |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
Edgar A. Bras was a brave soldier from the United States. He fought in the American Civil War (1861-1865). He was part of the 8th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment. For his amazing courage during the Battle of Spanish Fort in Alabama, he received the Medal of Honor. This is the highest award a soldier can get in the U.S. He earned it on April 8, 1865.
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Early Life and Family
Edgar A. Bras was born on October 6, 1841. His birthplace was Jefferson Township in Louisa County, Iowa. His father, John Bras, was a farmer from Massachusetts. His mother, Claretta/Mary Bras, was from New York.
In 1850, Edgar lived in Jefferson Township with his parents. He also had several brothers and sisters. By 1860, he was still living at home with his family.
Serving in the Civil War
When he was 20 years old, Edgar A. Bras joined the army. He signed up for the Civil War on September 11, 1861. He became a soldier in Company K of the 8th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Army records described him as 5 feet 8 inches tall. He had dark hair and blue eyes.
He was promoted to Fifth Corporal on December 7, 1861.
Fighting in Major Battles
Edgar Bras and his regiment fought in many tough battles during the Civil War. He was wounded several times while fighting.
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On April 6, 1862, he was shot in his upper leg. This happened during the Battle of Shiloh in Tennessee. Doctors decided not to remove the bullet. So, he carried it in his leg for the rest of his life.
Because of his good service, he was promoted again. He became Fourth Corporal on September 29, 1862. He was wounded a second time on October 4, 1862. This happened during the Second Battle of Corinth in Mississippi. A bullet hit him in the head. It got stuck behind his left eye.
Promotions and Bravery
Edgar Bras continued to serve bravely. He was promoted to Fourth Sergeant on March 1, 1863. Then he became Third Sergeant on September 1, 1863.
After his first time serving was over, he chose to join the army again. He rejoined the same regiment on January 11, 1864. He was later promoted to First Sergeant on February 1, 1864.
On April 8, 1865, Edgar Bras showed amazing courage. This was during the Battle of Spanish Fort in Alabama. Union soldiers were trying to capture forts near Mobile, Alabama. Bras charged into the enemy camp. He captured a flag from a Confederate soldier. This brave act earned him the Medal of Honor.
He was officially released from the military on April 20, 1866. This happened in Selma, Alabama.
Life After the War
After leaving the army, Edgar Bras became a farmer. He moved around a lot, living in Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Florida. He was always looking for a better life.
His military pension (money paid to him for his service) increased over time. This was because his injuries from the Civil War caused more problems as he got older.
In 1870, he was a single farmer in Nebraska. By 1880, he was married and lived in Kansas. He had a son named Lester and two daughters, Gertrude and Olive. He continued to farm to support his family.
Later, around 1910, he was working as a carpenter. He had moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma. He lived there with his wife and daughter, Ethel.
He later moved to Broward County, Florida. He lived in Fort Lauderdale with his wife and daughter. He became an important part of his church there. He was a deacon and led the Sunday School. His wife passed away before him.
Death and Burial
Edgar A. Bras died in Florida on June 24, 1923. He was buried at the Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
