George D. Ruggles facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George David Ruggles
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George D. Ruggles
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| Born | September 11, 1833 Newburgh, New York |
| Died | October 19, 1904 (aged 71) Washington, D.C. |
| Place of Burial | |
| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
 United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1855–1897 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands held | Adjutant General of the U.S. Army |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War
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| Relations | Charles H. Ruggles (uncle) |
George D. Ruggles (born September 11, 1833 – died October 19, 1904) was an important officer in the United States Army. He held a very high position called the Adjutant General of the U.S. Army from 1893 to 1897. This role meant he was in charge of all the army's paperwork, records, and communications.
Contents
Early Life and Military Training
George D. Ruggles was born in Newburgh, New York. Sadly, his parents passed away when he was young. He was then raised by his uncle, Charles H. Ruggles. His uncle was a very important judge, serving as the Chief Justice of the New York Court of Appeals.
In 1855, George Ruggles graduated from the United States Military Academy, also known as West Point. This is a famous school where people train to become army officers. After graduating, he joined the 2nd Infantry. He served with this group until the American Civil War began.
Service During the Civil War
When the Civil War started, George Ruggles took on different important jobs. He became a colonel and was the chief-of-staff for General John Pope in the Army of Virginia. In this role, he helped plan and manage the army's movements. He was involved in several major battles:
Later, he became an assistant chief-of-staff for the Army of the Potomac. He fought in the battles of South Mountain and Antietam. In December 1862, he was sent to Washington, D.C. for staff duty.
In February 1865, he was named the adjutant general of the Army of the Potomac under General George Meade. He took part in the Battle of Hatcher's Run.
After the Civil War
After the Civil War ended, Ruggles continued to work in the Adjutant General's Department. From July 1865 to May 1888, he served as adjutant general for different army departments. These included the Department of the Platte and the Department of Dakota.
From January 1889 to July 1891, he worked as adjutant general at a higher level, for the Division of the Pacific and the Division of the Atlantic.
In December 1892, he returned to the Adjutant General's Department in Washington, D.C. In November 1893, he was promoted to the highest position in his department: Adjutant General of the U.S. Army. He also received the rank of brigadier general.
He retired from the army in September 1897. However, he continued to serve his country. In April 1898, he was appointed governor of the Soldiers' Home in Washington, D.C. This was a place for retired soldiers. He worked there until January 1903.
George D. Ruggles passed away in October 1904. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a special place where many American heroes are laid to rest.
Family Life
In 1868, George Ruggles married Alma Hammond L'Hommedieu (1843-1921). They had four children together: Colden, Charles, Alma, and Francis. Their son, Colden, also became a notable figure.
