Franklin S. Nickerson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Franklin S. Nickerson
|
|
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | "Frank" |
| Born | August 27, 1826 Swanville, Maine |
| Died | January 23, 1917 (aged 90) Boston, Massachusetts |
| Place of burial |
Forest Hills Cemetery, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts
|
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 4th Maine Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | Lawyer |
Franklin Stillman Nickerson was a general who fought for the Union during the American Civil War. He mostly served in an area called the Department of the Gulf.
Contents
Early Life and Career
Franklin Stillman Nickerson was born in Swanville, Maine, in 1826. He went to East Corinth Academy in Maine. After school, he became a lawyer. Before the Civil War started, he worked for the U.S. government as a customs agent.
Joining the Civil War
In 1861, when the Civil War began, Nickerson joined the army. He became a major in the 4th Maine Volunteer Regiment. He fought in the very first major battle of the war, the First Battle of Bull Run. His actions there were praised by General Oliver Otis Howard.
Nickerson was later promoted to lieutenant colonel. Then he became a colonel of the 14th Maine Volunteer Regiment. His unit was sent to Louisiana. He fought in the Battle of Baton Rouge. Because of his leadership, he was promoted to brigadier general of volunteers on November 29, 1862.
Leading Troops in Battle
General Nickerson took command of the 3rd Brigade. This brigade was part of General Thomas W. Sherman's 2nd Division. He led his brigade during the Siege of Port Hudson. This was a long battle to capture a Confederate stronghold.
During an attack on May 28, Generals Sherman and Dow were injured. General Nickerson was the highest-ranking officer in the division. However, he was not told about the injuries until later that day. This meant the division was without a clear leader for a short time. Nickerson then led the division for two days. He continued to lead his brigade throughout the rest of the siege.
Later Service and Retirement
Nickerson was later moved to command another brigade. This was the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, in the XIX Corps. He led this group during the Red River Campaign. In July 1864, he was put in charge of the defenses of New Orleans. He resigned from the army in May 1865, when the war ended.
After the war, Nickerson went back to being a lawyer. He died in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1917.
