George Henry Hoyt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Henry Hoyt
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George H. Hoyt, ca. 1864
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| 6th Kansas Attorney General | |
| In office January 14, 1867 – January 11, 1869 |
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| Governor | Jerome D. Brumbaugh Addison Danford |
| Preceded by | Jerome D. Brumbaugh |
| Succeeded by | Addison Danford |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 25, 1837 Athol, Massachusetts |
| Died | February 2, 1877 (aged 39) Athol, Massachusetts |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Mary Anzonette Cheney |
| Profession | Attorney, Union soldier |
George Henry Hoyt (born November 25, 1837 – died February 2, 1877) was an important figure in American history. He was a strong opponent of slavery, known as an abolitionist. He even served as a lawyer for John Brown, a famous anti-slavery leader. During the American Civil War, he fought for the Union Army as a cavalry officer. He became a high-ranking officer, a brigadier general, by the end of the war. After the war, Hoyt continued to serve the public as the Attorney General of Kansas.
Contents
Early Life and Anti-Slavery Beliefs
George Henry Hoyt was born in Athol, Massachusetts, on November 25, 1837. He was the only son of George Hoyt and Avelina Witt Hoyt. His father was a doctor and also an abolitionist, meaning he was against slavery.
In 1851, George and his family moved to Boston. There, George began to study law. He was greatly influenced by his father's friends, who were also strong abolitionists. These influences helped shape George's firm belief that slavery should be ended.
Helping John Brown
After John Brown led a raid at Harpers Ferry, he was put on trial. Boston abolitionists asked George Hoyt to help defend Brown in court. Hoyt arrived at the trial in Charles Town, Virginia, on October 28, 1859.
He was only 21 years old and didn't have much experience in criminal law. When John Brown's first lawyers quit, Hoyt became his main lawyer for a short time. Soon, two more experienced attorneys joined to help with the defense. After Brown was found guilty, Hoyt traveled to Ohio. He gathered information that the defense hoped would show Brown was not mentally well, to try and prevent his execution. While in Ohio, Hoyt became good friends with John Brown's eldest son, John Brown Junior.
A Soldier in the Civil War
In late 1861, George Hoyt joined John Brown Junior's company of sharpshooters in Ohio. On November 9, 1861, Hoyt officially joined the Union Army as a second lieutenant. Their company became part of the 7th Regiment Kansas Volunteer Cavalry. This group was also known as Jennison's Jayhawkers. Hoyt worked closely with Colonel Charles R. Jennison.
On March 30, 1862, Hoyt married Mary Anzonette Cheney. She traveled to Leavenworth, Kansas, for their wedding. They had a son, George DeWitt Hoyt, born in 1863, and a daughter, Mary Clare Hoyt, born in 1868.
In May 1862, Hoyt became the captain of his company. He later resigned in July 1863 because of lung problems. He then returned to Kansas.
Leading the Red Leg Scouts
From late 1862 to August 1863, Hoyt led a special group of scouts and spies called the Red Leg Scouts. These scouts were known for their red leggings. They led Union troops on missions into Missouri. One of their important tasks was to free enslaved people held by Missourians. They did this regardless of whether the slave owners supported the Union or the Confederacy. Hoyt served as the Chief Detective for the District of the Border until August 1863.
Important Battles
In September 1863, Hoyt became a lieutenant colonel in the 15th Regiment Kansas Volunteer Cavalry. He served directly under Colonel Jennison. Hoyt commanded this regiment.
Hoyt and his regiment took part in several important battles during the war. They fought in Price's Missouri Expedition, a large cavalry raid by Confederate forces. Hoyt's regiment was part of the Army of the Border. They fought in battles like Second Lexington, Little Blue, and Westport. During the Second Battle of Independence in October 1864, Hoyt shot and killed a guerrilla captain named George Todd. At the Second Battle of Newtonia, Hoyt was promoted to Brigadier General for his bravery. He left the army on July 19, 1865.
After the War
After the Civil War ended, George Hoyt continued his public service. He served as the Attorney General of Kansas for two years, from January 14, 1867, to January 11, 1869.
He also worked as a United States Postal Agent and edited two newspapers in Leavenworth. Hoyt ran for Congress but was not elected. He then returned to Athol, Massachusetts, and edited a newspaper there called the Athol Transcript.
In 1871, he was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives. George Henry Hoyt passed away in Athol on February 2, 1877, at the age of 39.
See also
- 1872 Massachusetts legislature
- 1873 Massachusetts legislature
