George Henry Cram facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Henry Cram
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Col. George H. Cram, ca. 1863
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| Born | January 22, 1838 Shamokin, Pennsylvania |
| Died | August 5, 1872 (aged 34) Ponca Agency, Dakota Territory (present day Niobara, Nebraska) |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861-1871 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 9th Kentucky Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | merchant |
George Henry Cram (born January 22, 1838 – died August 5, 1872) was an important officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He started as a captain and rose to the rank of colonel. Later, he was recognized for his bravery and leadership by being named a brevet brigadier general. This means he was honored with the rank of general, even though he didn't command a general's unit full-time.
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George Cram's Early Life
George Henry Cram was born in Shamokin, Pennsylvania. Before he joined the military, he worked as a merchant. This means he bought and sold goods for a living.
Serving in the Civil War
Cram began his military journey on November 26, 1861. He was named a captain of Company H in the 9th Kentucky Infantry. This was a group of soldiers from Kentucky who fought for the Union.
Key Battles and Promotions
In the spring of 1862, Cram was wounded during the Battle of Shiloh in Tennessee. Despite his injury, he continued to serve. In April, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel. He then fought in the Battle of Perryville with this new rank.
Later that year, in late December, he commanded the 9th Kentucky at the Battle of Stones River. Here, he was wounded again while fighting. In March 1863, he received another promotion, becoming a colonel of the 9th Kentucky Infantry.
Cram led his regiment through several more important battles. He fought at the Battle of Chickamauga. He also led his soldiers in the East Tennessee campaign. During the assault on Missionary Ridge at Chattanooga, he was wounded for a third time.
Leading a Brigade
During the Atlanta Campaign, Colonel Cram showed great skill. He was given command of a brigade, which is a larger group of soldiers. He led them with distinction, meaning he did an excellent job.
On February 21, 1867, President Andrew Johnson honored Cram. He nominated him to be a brevet brigadier general of volunteers. This special rank was given to recognize his brave service during the war. The United States Senate confirmed this appointment on March 2, 1867.
After the War
After the Civil War ended, Cram continued his military career. He was appointed as a first lieutenant in the Regular Army's 17th U.S. Infantry. He was promoted to captain on October 8, 1867.
He served for several years at an army post in Galveston, Texas. George Cram passed away on August 5, 1872, in the Ponca Agency in the Dakota Territory. This area is now Niobara, Nebraska. He was buried at the Oakdale Cemetery in Davenport, Iowa.
Remembering George Cram
To honor his service, Post #80 of the Grand Army of the Republic in Cedar Springs, Kentucky, was named after George Henry Cram. The Grand Army of the Republic was an organization for Union Civil War veterans.
