George von Amsberg facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George von Amsberg
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| Born | June 24, 1821 Hildesheim |
| Died | November 21, 1876 (aged 55) New Jersey |
Georg von Amsberg was a German military officer. He was born on June 24, 1821, and passed away on November 21, 1876. He served in the armies of Austria, Hungary, and the United States. He fought in two major conflicts: the Hungarian revolution of 1848 and the American Civil War. Georg von Amsberg was part of a special group called "Forty-Eighters". These were European revolutionaries who moved to America. Many of them, like Georg, became important leaders in the Union Army during the Civil War.
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Early Life and Military Start
Georg von Amsberg was born in Hildesheim, a city near Hanover in Germany. He went to school at the Polytechnic Institute there. This school later became Leibniz University Hannover. In 1837, Georg joined the Austrian Army as a cadet. He quickly moved up in rank. By 1848, he was a Second Lieutenant. He served in the 8th Hungarian hussar regiment. Hussars were a type of light cavalry, known for their speed.
Serving in the Hungarian Revolution
In October 1848, Georg von Amsberg left the Austrian Army. He joined the Hungarian Honvéd Army instead. He was promoted to First Lieutenant on October 23. A few days later, he became a Captain. He led a company in the 16th Hussar Regiment.
In April, he moved to the 7th Hussar Regiment. He became an aide to Lieutenant General Henryk Dembiński. From July, he was a Captain in a "scout corps." This unit was part of the I. Corps.
After the Hungarian army surrendered in August, Amsberg tried to hide. With help from Russian officers, he reached Lviv. However, he was arrested by the Austrians. He was found guilty by a military court. His sentence was changed to 16 years in prison. After nine years, he was released. He was then sent away from the country.
Joining the American Civil War
After being released, Georg von Amsberg moved to the United States. He arrived in New York City in September 1858. He had sailed from Bremen, Germany. For a while, he worked as a riding instructor. He taught at the Hoboken Riding School.
When the American Civil War began, he joined the U.S. military. On May 1, 1861, he became a major. He served in the 5th Regiment New York National Guard Infantry. This regiment served for three months. He was honorably discharged with his regiment in August 1861.
In September 1861, von Amsberg formed a new unit. This was the 45th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He became its colonel in October 1861. He led this regiment in important battles. These included the Battle of Cross Keys and the Battle of Chancellorsville.
During the Battle of Gettysburg, he took on a bigger role. He commanded the 1st Brigade of the XI Corps. He resigned from the army in late 1863. He was discharged in January 1864 due to health issues. These included asthma and bronchitis.
Later Life and Passing
After the war, Georg von Amsberg owned a hotel. He passed away on November 21, 1876. He died in Hoboken, New Jersey. Georg von Amsberg is buried in Weehawken Cemetery. This cemetery is in North Bergen, New Jersey, USA.
