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Gabriel Grant
Gabriel Grant.jpg
Born (1826-09-04)September 4, 1826
Newark, New Jersey
Died November 8, 1909(1909-11-08) (aged 83)
Manhattan, New York
Buried
Allegiance  United States of America
Service/branch  United States Army
Years of service 1861–65
Rank Major
Unit United States 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, II Corps
Battles/wars Battle of Fair Oaks (aka Seven Pines)
Awards Medal of Honor

Dr. Gabriel Grant (born September 4, 1826, died November 8, 1909) was an American doctor. He also served as a major in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor, a very important award, for his brave actions at the Battle of Fair Oaks. His father, Charles Grant, was also a soldier in the War of 1812.

Early Life and Medical Training

Gabriel Grant was born in Newark, New Jersey. He went to Williams College, where he earned two degrees by 1846. Later, in 1851, he graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons. This is where he became a medical doctor.

Working as a Surgeon

In 1852, Dr. Grant worked as a surgeon in Panama. This was during the California Gold Rush. Many people were traveling through Panama to reach the gold fields. He helped organize the American Hospital there in 1853. He also worked as an editor for a newspaper called Panama Herald.

After his time in Panama, he returned to Newark to practice medicine. In 1854, he joined a special group. This group was formed to help fight a serious illness called cholera in the city.

Serving in the Civil War

When the American Civil War began, Dr. Grant joined the army. From June to October 1861, he was a surgeon for the 2nd Infantry Regiment of New Jersey Volunteers.

Bravery at Fair Oaks

Dr. Grant was part of French's Brigade during the Battle of Fair Oaks. This battle is also known as Seven Pines. On June 1, 1862, he showed great courage. He helped wounded soldiers and officers. He moved them away from the battlefield while under heavy enemy fire. He put himself in danger to save others.

For his brave actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. This is the highest military award in the United States. He received the medal on July 21, 1897. His award said he "Removed severely wounded officers and soldiers from the field while under a heavy fire from the enemy, exposing himself beyond the call of duty, thus furnishing an example of most distinguished gallantry."

Later Military Service

In February 1863, Dr. Grant became the Medical Director of Hospitals in Evanston, Indiana. Later that year, on September 4, he was put in charge of the United States Army Hospital in Madison, Indiana. He left the army in January 1865. He had to resign because of a wound he got while working as a surgeon in the field.

Life After the War

In 1864, Gabriel Grant married Caroline Manice. After the war, they lived in Newark for a short time. They soon moved to New York City. They had four children there: three sons and one daughter. Their oldest son was Madison Grant (1865–1937), who became a lawyer and worked to protect nature.

Gabriel Grant passed away at his home in Manhattan, New York. He was 83 years old. His wife and three sons were still living when he died.

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