Elon J. Farnsworth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elon John Farnsworth
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| Born | July 30, 1837 Green Oak, Michigan |
| Died | July 3, 1863 (aged 25) Gettysburg, Pennsylvania |
| Place of burial |
Rockton Cemetery, Rockton, Illinois
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1863 |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Commands held | 8th Illinois Cavalry Regiment 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac |
| Battles/wars | Utah War American Civil War |
| Alma mater | University of Michigan |
| Signature |  |
Elon John Farnsworth (born July 30, 1837 – died July 3, 1863) was a brave Union Army officer during the American Civil War. He was a captain who led a group of cavalry soldiers. Cavalry are soldiers who fight on horseback.
Farnsworth commanded a brigade (a large group of soldiers) from June 28, 1863, until his death. He was sadly killed in action at the famous Battle of Gettysburg. Just before he died, President Abraham Lincoln wanted to promote him to a higher rank, brigadier general. However, this promotion was not officially approved before the battle.
Contents
Early Life and Military Beginnings
Elon Farnsworth was born in Green Oak, Michigan, on July 30, 1837. His family later moved to Illinois in 1854.
He attended the University of Michigan for a time. After leaving university, he joined the Army in 1857. He worked as a civilian foragemaster, which meant he helped get supplies for the army. He served during the Utah War from 1857 to 1858. He also worked as a scout and freighter in the Colorado Territory.
Serving in the Civil War
When the Civil War began, Farnsworth joined the 8th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Cavalry. This was a cavalry regiment, meaning it was made up of soldiers on horseback. His uncle was the commander of this regiment.
Farnsworth quickly showed his skills and was promoted to captain on December 25, 1861. He became an Assistant Chief Quartermaster, helping to manage supplies for a large group of soldiers called the IV Corps.
In early 1863, he worked closely with Brigadier General Alfred Pleasonton. He served as an aide-de-camp, which is like a personal assistant to a general. He was with General Pleasonton during the Battle of Chancellorsville and the early parts of the Gettysburg Campaign.
Just three days before the Battle of Gettysburg, General Pleasonton gave Farnsworth command of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, of the Cavalry Corps. This was a very important role. On June 29, 1863, President Lincoln nominated Farnsworth to become a brigadier general. However, the United States Senate did not confirm this promotion before the battle began.
Farnsworth's Last Stand at Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg lasted three days. On the third day, July 3, 1863, the Confederates had just failed in a big attack called Pickett's Charge. After this, Brigadier General Hugh Judson Kilpatrick ordered Farnsworth to lead his cavalry brigade in a charge. This charge was against Confederate positions south of the Devil's Den area.
Farnsworth was worried about the charge. He believed it had little chance of success. But he agreed to lead it after General Kilpatrick reportedly questioned his courage. Farnsworth led his soldiers into battle against parts of John B. Hood's Confederate division.
The charge faced strong resistance and resulted in heavy losses for the Union cavalry. During this charge, Elon Farnsworth was shot five times in the chest and died. He was buried in Rockton Cemetery in Rockton, Illinois.
Remembering Elon Farnsworth
Years later, a coastal defense battery (a type of fort) was built between 1897 and 1899. It was named Battery Farnsworth in his honor. This battery is located near Fort Constitution in New Castle, New Hampshire.
See also
