Edmund Kirby (army officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edmund Kirby
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|---|---|
| Born | March 11, 1840 Brownville, New York, U.S. |
| Died | May 28, 1863 (aged 23) Spotsylvania County, Virginia, U.S. |
| Buried |
Brownville Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
Union Army |
| Commands held | 1st U.S. Light Artillery, Battery 5th Maine Battery. |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War
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Edmund Kirby (March 11, 1840 – May 28, 1863) was a brave officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was known for his courage and leadership. Sadly, he died from injuries he received during the Battle of Chancellorsville.
Who Was Edmund Kirby?
Edmund Kirby was born on March 11, 1840, in a town called Brownville, New York. His father, also named Edmund Kirby, was an army paymaster. This meant his father was in charge of paying the soldiers. His mother was Eliza Brown. Her father, Jacob Brown, was a very important general. He was once the top commander of the entire United States Army.
Becoming an Army Officer
Edmund Kirby went to the United States Military Academy at West Point. This is a famous school where people train to become army officers. He graduated in May 1861, right when the American Civil War was starting.
After graduating, he quickly joined the army. He became a second lieutenant in the 1st U.S. Light Artillery, Battery I. Just eight days later, he was promoted to first lieutenant. This showed how quickly he was moving up in the army.
Fighting in the Civil War
Kirby was a battery commander, meaning he led a group of artillery cannons. He fought in many important battles during the Civil War. These included the First Battle of Bull Run, the Battle of Ball's Bluff, the Peninsula Campaign, and the Battle of Antietam. He showed great skill and bravery in these fights.
A Hero's End
On May 3, 1863, during the fierce Battle of Chancellorsville, Kirby took command of the 5th Maine Battery. He was helping to move the cannons to safety when he was badly hurt. He was hit by "case-shot," which were small metal balls fired from cannons.
A brave soldier named John F. Chase carried Kirby off the battlefield. Kirby later recommended Chase for the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery in the U.S. military. Kirby was taken to a hospital in Washington, D.C.. His injured leg had to be removed, but he got a serious infection.
President Abraham Lincoln wanted to promote Kirby to brigadier general. This is a high rank in the army. However, Kirby died on May 28, 1863, at only 23 years old. Because he died before the U.S. Senate could approve his promotion, it never officially happened. He was buried in Brownville Cemetery.
