George H. Covode facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Hay Covode
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Col. George H. Covode
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| Born | August 19, 1835 Covodesville, Pennsylvania |
| Died | June 24, 1864 (aged 28) Virginia |
| Buried |
West Fairfield Cemetery, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
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| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861 - 1864 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Unit |  4th Pennsylvania Cavalry |
| Wars | American Civil War |
| Relations | John Covode (father) |
George Hay Covode (born August 19, 1835 – died June 25, 1864) was a brave soldier from Pennsylvania. He became a high-ranking officer, a Colonel, in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He fought for the United States.
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George Hay Covode's Early Life
George Hay Covode was born in a town called Covodesville, Pennsylvania. He was the oldest son of John Covode, who was a U.S. congressman. His father was also a strong supporter of abolitionism, which meant he wanted to end slavery.
When George was young, people noticed he was tall and strong. This made him well-suited for the tough life of a soldier later on. He went to school at Ligonier Academy and Elders Ridge. After school, he tried working in business for a few years, but it wasn't very successful for him.
In 1858, George married Annie Earl. Sadly, she passed away just a few months after their wedding. A few years later, he married Bettie St. Clair Robb. Bettie was the granddaughter of Arthur St. Clair, a famous general from the Continental Army during the American Revolution. George and Bettie had one child, a daughter named Sarah.
Serving in the Civil War
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When the Civil War began in 1861, George Covode joined the army as a private. He was part of Company D in the 4th Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry. This group was formed in his home area, Ligonier Valley, Pennsylvania. When the soldiers chose their officers, George was picked as a first lieutenant.
His company soon moved to Camp Campbell near Washington, D.C.. George was promoted quickly. He became a Captain of his company, and then a Major on March 12, 1862. The 4th Pennsylvania Cavalry was sent to the front lines of the war very quickly.
Major Battles and Promotions
George and his men marched to Yorktown, Virginia. They soon fought in important battles like the Battle of Malvern Hill and the Second Battle of Bull Run. In the fall of 1862, his regiment was camped near the Potomac River. They then took part in the fighting at Battle of Antietam and later at Battle of Fredericksburg.
In 1863, Covode continued to fight in major battles. These included Battle of Chancellorsville and the famous Battle of Gettysburg. He was known for being very brave. Once, in Falls Church, Virginia, George and his troops were surrounded by Confederate soldiers. But George bravely charged at them with his sword. He fought so skillfully that he created a path for his men to escape, and they all got away safely.
His strength and courage made him very powerful in hand-to-hand combat. He was almost fearless. Even in camp, he was described as a cheerful and good-natured person.
George continued to rise through the ranks. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel on December 8, 1863. Then, on May 28, 1864, he became a full Colonel.
His Final Battle
George Covode had a condition where he was very near-sighted. This made it hard for him to see people clearly from far away. On June 24, 1864, he was leading a group of soldiers in Virginia. He mistakenly thought some Confederate skirmishers (soldiers who scout ahead) were his own troops. He rode towards them.
He realized his mistake too late. As he turned to ride away, enemy soldiers shot him in the arm and stomach. During the retreat, he was left behind within the enemy lines. He died a few hours later.
George Hay Covode was buried in West Fairfield Cemetery in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.
