Edward A. Holton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Alexander Holton
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| Born | August 28, 1835 Westminster, Vermont |
| Died | January 29, 1906 (aged 70) Bernardston, Massachusetts |
| Place of burial |
Old Westminster Cemetery, Westminster, Vermont
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| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
 United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Unit | 1st Vermont Infantry (Company H, May–August 1861) 6th Vermont Infantry (Company I, 1861-1864) |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War • Siege of Yorktown and Lee's Mills • Seven Days campaign • Battle of Garnett's & Golding's Farm • Battle of Williamsburg • Battle of Savage's Station • Battle of White Oak Swamp • Battle of Malvern Hill • Second Battle of Bull Run • Battle of South Mountain • Battle of Antietam • Battle of Fredericksburg • Second Battle of Fredericksburg • Battle of Salem Church • Battle of the Wilderness |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
Edward Alexander Holton (born August 28, 1835 – died January 29, 1906) was a brave soldier from the United States. He received the nation's highest award for courage, the Medal of Honor. This award was given to him for his actions during the American Civil War.
Holton showed incredible bravery while fighting with the 6th Vermont Infantry. In April 1862, during the Battle of Lee's Mills, Virginia, his regiment's flag carrier was shot. Under heavy enemy fire, Holton made sure the American flag did not fall into enemy hands. His quick thinking and courage earned him this special honor.
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Early Life and Family
Edward Alexander Holton was born in Westminster, Vermont, on August 28, 1835. His parents were Erastus Alexander and Hannah Brainard Holton.
By 1850, he lived in Westminster with his mother and two brothers, David and Joel.
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Edward Holton was one of the first to join the army. He answered President Lincoln’s call for volunteers to protect the country. On May 2, 1861, he joined Company H of the 1st Vermont Infantry. After serving for three months, he left the army on August 15, 1861.
However, he quickly decided to re-enlist for three more years. On August 28, 1861, he became a first sergeant with Company I of the 6th Vermont Infantry. In the fall of 1861, his regiment was stationed at Camp Griffin, Virginia.
A Heroic Act at Lee's Mills
In the spring of 1862, Holton performed the brave act that would earn him the Medal of Honor. On April 16, while fighting at Lee's Mills, Virginia, during the Siege of Yorktown, a soldier carrying the national flag was shot. This soldier, called the "color-bearer," was very important because the flag represented the unit. Holton quickly saved the flag, preventing it from falling to the enemy.
The very next day, Holton was promoted to second lieutenant. His bravery and his regiment's performance were highly praised by their commanding general.
Key Battles and Promotions
Holton and his regiment took part in many important battles. These included the Peninsula Campaign in Virginia, such as the Battle of Williamsburg (May 5, 1862). They also fought in the Seven Days Battles, including Golding's Farm, Savage's Station, and White Oak Swamp.
Later, they were part of the Maryland Campaign, fighting at South Mountain and Antietam. Holton also saw action in the Second Battle of Bull Run, Battle of Fredericksburg, Second Battle of Fredericksburg, and Battle of Salem Church.
On June 5, 1863, he was promoted again, becoming a first lieutenant. He was given a break from duty and returned home to Vermont. While there, he married Katherine Matilda Chase on September 15, 1863.
On May 5, 1864, Holton was seriously wounded while fighting in the Battle of the Wilderness. Ten days later, even while recovering, he was promoted to captain. Because of his injuries, he was honorably discharged from the army on August 17, 1864, and returned home to his family.
Life After the War
After leaving the military, Edward Holton lived with his wife. By 1870, they had moved to Lee, Massachusetts. He worked at a mill and his family grew to include their daughter, Katherine May, and son, Charles.
In 1890, he lived in Burlington, Vermont. Sadly, his wife passed away the following year in 1891.
Later Years and Passing
After the turn of the century, Edward Holton lived with his son, Charles, who was a doctor, in Bernardston, Massachusetts. Edward A. Holton passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 26, 1906, at the age of 70. He was buried at the Old Westminster Cemetery in his hometown of Westminster, Vermont.
Medal of Honor Details
Edward Alexander Holton was officially awarded the Medal of Honor on July 9, 1892. This was for his incredible bravery at the Battle of Lee's Mills on April 16, 1862, when he was a first sergeant.
See also
