Erastus W. Jewett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Erastus W. Jewett
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| Born | April 1, 1839 St. Albans, Vermont |
| Died | February 20, 1906 (aged 66) Burlington, Vermont |
| Place of burial |
Church Street Cemetery, Swanton (town), Vermont
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| Allegiance | .svg){kind=small} United States (Union) |
| Service/ |
 Union Army (Army of the James) Vermont Militia |
| Years of service | 1862-1864 (Army) 1882-1892 (Militia) |
| Rank |  First Lieutenant (Army) Colonel (Militia) |
| Unit | Company A, 9th Vermont Infantry Staff of the Adjutant General of Vermont |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
Erastus W. Jewett (born April 1, 1836 – died February 20, 1906) was a brave soldier from Vermont. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for military bravery in the United States. He fought for the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Contents
Early Life in Vermont
Erastus Jewett was born in St. Albans, Vermont, on April 1, 1836. His parents were Eleazer and Jessie Jewett. Erastus had nine brothers and sisters.
Two of his brothers also served in the Civil War. Albert Burton Jewett was a colonel who led the 10th Vermont Infantry. Jesse A. Jewett was a captain in the 5th Vermont Infantry. Jesse became ill during his service and died after the war.
Erastus went to school in St. Albans. Before the Civil War, he worked as a surveyor, which means he measured and mapped land.
Fighting in the Civil War
In June 1862, Erastus Jewett joined the Union Army to fight in the American Civil War. He became a second lieutenant in the 9th Vermont Infantry.
Just a few months later, on August 3, he was captured by the Confederacy. He was a prisoner for 25 days. In May 1863, he was promoted to first lieutenant.
During his time in the army, he fought in several important battles:
- Harper's Ferry (September 13 and 15, 1862)
- Newport Barracks (February 2, 1864)
- Chaffin's Farm (September 29, 1864)
- Fair Oaks (October 27, 1864)
He left the army in November 1864 and went back home to Vermont.
Medal of Honor Hero
Erastus Jewett received the Medal of Honor for his brave actions. This is the highest award a soldier can get in the United States. He earned it for what he did during the Battle of Newport Barracks on February 2, 1864.
He was honored on September 8, 1891. The award recognized how he helped his fellow soldiers escape. He held off a much larger enemy force by fighting them and burning bridges. This allowed his group to retreat safely.
Life After the War
After the Civil War, Erastus Jewett lived in Swanton, Vermont. He worked in manufacturing, making metal items like buckles.
He continued his military service in the Vermont Militia. From 1882 to 1892, he was part of their headquarters staff. He reached the rank of colonel.
Jewett was also active in his local community. He was a member of the Republican party. He held several positions in his town and village, including village president.
He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), which was a group for Civil War veterans. The local GAR post in Swanton was named after his brother Jesse. He also joined other groups like the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States and the Freemasons.
Later Years and Passing
In 1902, Jewett retired and moved to Burlington. On February 20, 1906, he was on his way to a meeting for the Grand Army of the Republic. He became ill and returned home, where he passed away soon after. Erastus Jewett was buried at Church Street Cemetery in Swanton.
His Family
Erastus Jewett was married to Fanny L. Brigham, who passed away in 1882. They had four children: Jessie, Mary, Nellie, and Walter.
