George Dietzler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Washington Deitzler
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Brig. Gen. George W. Deitzler, ca. November 1862
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| Born | November 30, 1826 Pine Grove, Pennsylvania |
| Died | April 11, 1884 (aged 57) Tucson, Arizona |
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank | Brigadier General Major General, Kansas militia |
| Commands held | 1st Kansas Volunteer Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
George Washington Deitzler (born November 30, 1826 – died April 11, 1884) was an important leader during a tough time in American history. He was a Union Army General in the American Civil War. He also served as the mayor of Lawrence, Kansas in 1860. Later, he helped manage money for the University of Kansas. Deitzler was a key member of the Free-State Party in Kansas. This group wanted Kansas to become a free state, meaning without slavery. After the war, he joined the Republican Party.
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Early Life and Moving West
George Washington Deitzler was born in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania. He grew up there and got a basic education. When he was a young man, he decided to move west. He lived for a short time in Illinois and then in California. In March 1855, Deitzler settled in Lawrence, Kansas. While in California, he changed the spelling of his last name from Ditzler to Deitzler.
Fighting for a Free Kansas
Deitzler quickly became involved in politics in Kansas. At this time, Kansas was deciding if it would allow slavery or be a free state. Deitzler strongly supported Kansas becoming a free state. He helped organize a free-state government. This government was against the official pro-slavery government of the territory.
Getting Weapons for the Free-Staters
Deitzler traveled to Boston to meet with people who supported the free-state cause. He arranged for 100 special rifles to be sent to Kansas. These rifles were called Sharp's rifles. They were shipped in boxes marked "books" to hide what they really were. More "books" followed, and free-state groups formed. They used these new weapons.
Leading in the Wakarusa War
In November 1855, there was a conflict known as the Wakarusa War. Deitzler was a key leader for the free-state forces. He served as an aide to the commander. For some time, he was even in full command of the troops.
Facing Political Challenges
Later, Deitzler and other free-state leaders faced legal trouble. They were accused of treason against the territory. They were arrested and held for about four months. However, the charges against them were eventually dropped.
Serving in Government
Deitzler continued to work hard for the free-state cause. He attended meetings and conventions. He also wrote for newspapers. He was elected to the free-state territorial legislature. He served from 1857 to 1858 and again from 1859 to 1860. During these terms, he was chosen as the speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives. He also served in the Kansas Senate. In 1860, Deitzler was elected mayor of Lawrence, Kansas. He also became the treasurer for the University of Kansas.
Military Service in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, George Deitzler quickly joined the fight. He helped create the 1st Kansas Infantry Regiment. He was appointed as its colonel.
Key Battles and Commands
Deitzler led his regiment in Missouri. He commanded the 4th Brigade at the Battle of Wilson's Creek. During this battle, he was wounded. On April 4, 1863, he was promoted to brigadier general. This promotion was confirmed by President Abraham Lincoln and the U.S. Senate. Deitzler then commanded a brigade during the important Vicksburg campaign.
Returning to Kansas
After the city of Vicksburg fell, Deitzler's health suffered. The hot southern climate made him feel worse. He asked to resign from the army on August 12, 1863. His resignation was accepted, and he returned to Kansas.
Defending Kansas in 1864
Back in Kansas, Deitzler received a new role. He was made a major general in the Kansas militia. In 1864, Confederate Major General Sterling Price led an invasion into Missouri. Deitzler commanded 10,000 Kansas State Militia units. These units were part of the Army of the Border. Deitzler's troops were hesitant to fight in Missouri. However, they joined the battle when the Confederates reached Westport. This town was near the Kansas-Missouri border. Deitzler's additional troops helped turn the tide. The Confederates were defeated at the Battle of Westport.
Later Life and Legacy
After the Civil War, Deitzler worked to promote railroads. He died in Tucson, Arizona. In the spring of 1884, General Deitzler was in Southern Arizona. He was in an accident where he was thrown from a buggy. He died from his injuries.
