Ellis Spear facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ellis Spear
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Bvt. Brig. Gen. Ellis Spear
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| Born | October 15, 1834 Warren, Maine |
| Died | April 3, 1917 (aged 82) Washington, D.C. |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Unit | 20th Maine Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | Patent attorney |
Ellis Spear (born October 15, 1834 – died April 3, 1917) was an important officer in the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment. This group was part of the Union Army during the American Civil War. After the war, he became a brevet brigadier general. This means he was given a higher rank for his brave service. Later, from 1877 to 1878, he served as the United States Commissioner of Patents.
Contents
Ellis Spear's Early Life and Education
Ellis Spear was born on October 15, 1834, in Warren, Maine. He grew up on his family's farm. He also attended Sunday School at a Presbyterian church. For his higher education, Spear went to Bowdoin College. He graduated from there in 1858. After college, he worked as a teacher in local schools for four years. During this time, he also studied law.
Ellis Spear's Role in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Ellis Spear joined the Union Army. He helped recruit soldiers and formed Company G of the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment. On August 29, 1862, he became a captain in this regiment. He was later promoted to major on August 28, 1863.
Key Battles and Promotions
Spear showed great courage during the war. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel on September 30, 1864. This was for his service at the Battle of Peebles's Farm. He also became a colonel on May 29, 1865, for his actions at the Battle of Lewis's Farm. On June 29, 1865, he took command of a brigade within the V Corps (Union Army). He left the volunteer service on July 16, 1865.
Becoming a Brevet Brigadier General
After the war ended, President Andrew Johnson recognized Spear's service. On February 24, 1866, President Johnson nominated Spear to become a brevet brigadier general. This rank was given to him starting from April 9, 1865. The United States Senate approved this appointment on April 10, 1866.
Ellis Spear's Life After the War
After his military service, Ellis Spear started a new career. He became a patent attorney. This means he helped people protect their inventions and ideas. He even became the United States Commissioner of Patents from 1877 to 1878.
Writing About the War
Spear also wrote about his experiences in the Civil War. His book, The Civil War Recollections of General Ellis Spear, was published after he passed away in 1998. In his writings, Spear shared his thoughts on the war. He believed that some members of the 20th Maine, especially Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, might have made their roles seem bigger than they were at the Battle of Gettysburg and Battle of Fredericksburg. However, Spear and Chamberlain remained good friends throughout their lives.
Later Years and Burial
Ellis Spear passed away on April 3, 1917, in St. Petersburg, Florida. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. His grandson, Abbot Spear, later published his important papers.
Ellis Spear in Films
Ellis Spear has been shown in movies about the Civil War.
- In the 1993 film Gettysburg, he was played by actor Donal Logue.
- In the movie Gods and Generals, Jonathan Maxwell played him.
