Eugene W. Ferris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eugene W. Ferris
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Captain Eugene W. Ferris, c1865
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| Born | November 18, 1842 Springfield, Vermont |
| Died | February 26, 1907 (aged 64) Rockville, Indiana |
| Buried |
Rockville Cemetery, Rockville, Indiana
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1862 - 1865 |
| Rank |
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| Unit |  Company D, 30th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
Eugene W. Ferris (born 1842, died 1907) was a brave soldier from the United States. He fought in the American Civil War with the 30th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. He earned the highest award for bravery, the U.S. Medal of Honor. He got this award for fighting off enemy soldiers near Berryville, Virginia, on April 1, 1865. He received the medal 32 years later, in 1897.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Eugene W. Ferris was born in Springfield, Vermont, on November 18, 1841. His parents were Robert and Fanny Ferris. When he was young, his family moved to Lowell, Massachusetts. After finishing school in Lowell, Eugene got a job as a bookkeeper.
Serving in the Civil War
Ferris was 20 years old when he joined the 30th Massachusetts Infantry. This was on New Year's Day in 1862. He started as a sergeant in Company D. Later, he became an officer and eventually a captain.
His regiment, the 30th Massachusetts Volunteers, fought in many places. They were on the Mississippi River at Port Hudson and near Vicksburg. They also fought in the Gulf Region, including New Orleans and Baton Rouge. In mid-1864, Ferris and his regiment moved to Virginia.
While in Virginia, Ferris was part of the Union Army's 19th Corps. He was wounded during the 1864 Shenandoah Valley Campaign. His regiment fought in important battles like Opequon and Battle of Fisher's Hill in September. They also fought at the Battle of Cedar Creek on October 19.
Medal of Honor Action
Less than six months later, Ferris showed great bravery. This led to him receiving the Medal of Honor. On April 1, 1865, Ferris and another soldier, Private James McLaughlin, were looking for enemy fighters near Berryville, Virginia. They were attacked by Mosby's Rangers, a Confederate cavalry unit.
Ferris faced the enemy leader, Charles Wiltshire. He refused to surrender and shot Wiltshire. He then dodged a bullet from another Ranger and shot that soldier. He also wounded a third enemy soldier. Ferris then took Wiltshire's horse and rode to safety. After this brave act, Ferris was promoted to captain on April 21.
Another story says Ferris and the Confederate officer only had swords. It says Ferris surprised the officer and cut him with his sword. Then, Ferris was shot in the leg. He grabbed two pistols from the officer's belt. He fired at one enemy soldier while fighting another with his sword.
After the Battles
In June 1865, Ferris became an Acting Aide de Camp. He worked for Brigadier-General George Lafayette Beal. General Beal was in charge of military operations in Eastern South Carolina.
In August 1865, Ferris was appointed Acting Assistant Inspector General. This was for the District of Western South Carolina. Ferris finally left the military in 1866.
Life After the War
After leaving the army, Ferris worked in South Carolina for a while. In 1870, he became an elections commissioner for Georgetown County. In 1873, he worked as a tax collector for the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
Around 1900, Ferris moved to Rockville, Indiana. There, he bought and ran the Parke Hotel. Newspaper articles from 1897 confirm he was living in Indiana before 1900. They mention his Medal of Honor award while he was living in Albany, Indiana.
Eugene W. Ferris passed away on February 26, 1907, in Rockville, Parke County, Indiana. He was buried with military honors at Rockville Cemetery.
Images for kids
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Captain Eugene W. Ferris, c1865
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Medal of Honor winner Eugene W. Ferris c1897
