George C. Burling facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Childs Burling
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|---|---|
| Born | February 17, 1834 Burlington County, New Jersey |
| Died | December 24, 1885 (aged 51) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Place of burial |
Harleigh Cemetery, Camden, New Jersey
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
Union Army |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
George Childs Burling was an important officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was born on February 17, 1834, and passed away on December 24, 1885.
He grew up on a farm in Burlington County, New Jersey. He also went to a private school in Norristown, Pennsylvania. Before the war, he worked as a coal merchant. He was also an officer in the local militia.
Joining the Army
In July 1861, Burling's militia group joined the army for three months. But soon, his company became part of the 6th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry. They signed up for three years of service.
Burling quickly moved up in rank. He became a major on March 19, 1862. Then, he became a lieutenant colonel on May 7, 1862. He was hurt during the Second Battle of Bull Run in August 1862.
Leading the Regiment
When the commander of the 6th New Jersey, Colonel Gershom Mott, became a general, Burling was promoted. He became a colonel and took command of the regiment.
Burling led his regiment at the Battle of Chancellorsville. He was wounded again during this battle.
Battle of Gettysburg
Burling's most important service was at the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863. He commanded a group of soldiers called a brigade. This brigade included troops from New Jersey and other states.
At the start of the second day of fighting, his brigade was held back as a reserve. But as the battle got intense, different parts of his brigade were sent to fight in various places.
- The 6th New Jersey fought near a rocky area called Devil's Den.
- The 8th New Jersey and 115th Pennsylvania fought in a field known as the Wheatfield.
- The 7th New Jersey and 2nd New Hampshire helped support cannons at the Peach Orchard.
- The 5th New Jersey was positioned along the Emmitsburg Road.
Burling's brigade started the battle with about 1,396 soldiers. They lost 513 officers and men during the fighting.
After the War
Burling left the army on March 4, 1864, because he was not well. Later, on December 18, 1867, President Andrew Johnson honored Burling. He was given the special rank of brevet brigadier general. This was for his "gallant and meritorious services" at the Battle of Gettysburg.
After the war, Burling and his wife lived on a farm near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad for a while. George Burling passed away at his home in Philadelphia on December 24, 1885. He was buried in Harleigh Cemetery in Camden, New Jersey.
