George B. Boomer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Boardman Boomer
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George B. Boomer (1832-1863)
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| Born | July 26, 1832 Sutton, Massachusetts |
| Died | May 24, 1863 (aged 30) Warren County, Mississippi |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
 United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1861 - 1863 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 26th Missouri Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
George Boardman Boomer (July 26, 1832 – May 22, 1863) was a brave general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He led a group of soldiers called a brigade. He was known for his courage in battles like Battle of Champion Hill and during the Vicksburg campaign. Sadly, Colonel Boomer was killed in action on May 22, 1863, during a big attack on Vicksburg. He was promoted to Brigadier General right around the time he died.
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George Boomer's Early Life
George Boomer was born in Sutton, Massachusetts, on July 26, 1832. He went to Uxbridge Academy and Worcester Academy, finishing his studies in 1847. Because his eyesight wasn't very good, George didn't go to college. Instead, he worked with his brother-in-law. They built bridges across the mighty Mississippi River.
When the Civil War began, George Boomer quickly gathered a group of soldiers. This group became part of the 26th Missouri Volunteer Infantry Regiment. By 1863, he was promoted to a high rank, becoming a colonel. He showed great skill and bravery at Vicksburg. There, he commanded a brigade under Major General James B. McPherson.
A Brave Commander at Champion Hill
Colonel Boomer and his soldiers showed incredible bravery at the Battle of Champion Hill on May 16, 1863. Captain Benjamin Devor Dean, who was with the 26th Missouri, described the battle.
Facing Tough Challenges
Captain Dean explained that the 26th Missouri faced a very difficult situation. Another division of soldiers was struggling and falling back. So, Colonel Boomer's brigade was ordered to move forward very quickly. The ground they had to cross was rough and full of obstacles. Some companies even had to break their battle lines to move around under enemy fire.
Holding the Line
When they reached the battle line, even though they were tired, the 10th Iowa and 93rd Illinois immediately fought the enemy. The 5th Iowa and 26th Missouri waited behind them for their turn. Colonel Boomer, seeing the enemy trying to attack their right side, quickly ordered the 26th Missouri to meet them. They moved fast, changing direction to get control of a deep ditch. The enemy was also trying to reach this ditch.
Driving the Enemy Back
The position they gained in the ditch was very strong. This helped them stop the enemy, even though the enemy soldiers outnumbered the 26th Missouri. After firing many rounds of ammunition, the 26th Missouri forced the Confederate soldiers to retreat. They were almost surrounded by the enemy, so they moved to a new position under heavy fire. But their new spot was so strong that they didn't lose many soldiers, despite the intense fighting. They then charged the rebels, pushed them back, and captured several prisoners. When they returned to Colonel Boomer's position, he praised the 26th Missouri for their brave actions.
His Final Battle and Legacy
Just six days after his heroic actions at Champion Hill, Colonel Boomer was killed. This happened during the second major attack on Vicksburg on May 22, 1863.
A Tragic End
According to Captain Benjamin Devor Dean, Colonel Boomer led his men in a brave charge on one of Vicksburg's forts. Colonel Boomer had actually advised against this attack. He warned his commanders that the fort's weapons had not been "silenced," meaning it was still dangerous. But his superiors did not listen. So, Colonel Boomer and his men bravely charged the fort.
Just as Boomer predicted, the fort was still firing. He and his men immediately came under heavy fire, with "an incessant shower of shot, shell and rifle balls." Colonel Boomer and his soldiers were forced to take cover for a moment. Soon after, Colonel Boomer courageously decided to keep going. He stood up and shouted "Attention!" as if to restart the charge. At that moment, a rifle ball hit him in the head, killing him instantly.
A Promotion After Death
Colonel Boomer was already serving as an Acting General. He had just been officially promoted to Brigadier General, but he never knew it. Reports say that the official promotion papers arrived in camp shortly after he died.
His body was brought back to Worcester, Massachusetts. Thousands of people attended his funeral. He was buried in Rural Cemetery in Worcester. A monument honoring him stands there. It is a thirty-foot tall column with a large eagle at the top. His bravery was written about at the time, and a book about his life was published by his sister, Mary Amelia Boomer Stone, in 1864.
