Gershom Mott facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gershom Mott
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Gershom Mott
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| Born | April 7, 1822 Lamberton, New Jersey |
| Died | November 29, 1884 (aged 62) New York City, New York |
| Place of burial |
Riverview Cemetery, Trenton, New Jersey
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1847–1848, 1861–1866 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Commands held | 6th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Gershom Mott (born April 7, 1822 – died November 29, 1884) was an important United States Army officer. He became a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He led soldiers in the eastern part of the war.
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Gershom Mott's Early Life
Gershom Mott was born in Lamberton, New Jersey, near Trenton. His grandfather, Captain John Mott, was said to have helped General George Washington during the American Revolutionary War. This claim has been questioned recently.
Gershom was the youngest of five children. He went to the Trenton Academy, which is now a public library. At just fourteen, he started working as a sales clerk in New York City. Later, he became a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Mexican–American War.
In 1849, Gershom Mott married Elizabeth Smith. They had one child, Kate, who later wrote about their family history. Before the Civil War, Mott worked in different jobs in New Jersey. These included roles with the Lamberton Port and a bank.
Gershom Mott in the Civil War
When the Civil War began, Mott joined the Union Army. He was made a lieutenant colonel in the 5th New Jersey Infantry. This unit was part of the Army of the Potomac.
Early Battles and Promotions
Mott's regiment fought in the Peninsula Campaign. After the Battle of Williamsburg, he was promoted to colonel. He then took command of the 6th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry. He was praised for his bravery at the Battle of Seven Pines. However, his regiment did not see much action during the Seven Days Battles.
Wounds and Recovery
During the Second Battle of Bull Run, Mott was badly wounded in the arm. Because of his bravery, he was promoted to brigadier general in September 1862. He had to recover during the Battle of Antietam. He returned to the army after the Battle of Fredericksburg.
Mott led a brigade in the III Corps at the Battle of Chancellorsville. He was seriously wounded again there. This meant he missed the important Gettysburg Campaign. Colonel George C. Burling commanded his brigade during that time.
Later War Service
Mott returned to duty in late 1863. He led his brigade in the Bristoe and Mine Run campaigns. In 1864, his III Corps division became part of the II Corps. This change made many soldiers unhappy.
During the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Mott's division was ordered to support an attack. However, heavy artillery fire caused them to retreat. After this, his division was broken up. Its soldiers were moved to other units.
Mott continued to serve as a brigade commander. He was later given command of a division again. He performed well during the Siege of Petersburg and the Appomattox Campaign. He was one of the few officers praised for his actions at the difficult Battle of the Crater. For this, he received a special promotion to major general.
Just three days before the Confederates surrendered, Mott was wounded in the leg. This happened at the Battle of Amelia Springs. By the end of the war, he was known for being brave and capable. He was promoted to major general in December 1865.
After the War
Gershom Mott left the army in 1866. In 1868, he was offered a high rank in the regular army. However, he chose to stay in civilian life. He worked for a railroad company and as a banker for a short time.
Mott spent the rest of his life working for the state government of New Jersey. He served as state treasurer and as warden of the New Jersey State Prison. From 1873 to 1884, he was a major general and commander of the New Jersey National Guard.
He died in New York City and received a full military funeral. He is buried in Riverview Cemetery in Trenton.
Places Named After Gershom Mott
Many places were named in honor of Gershom Mott. This shows his importance to New Jersey and the country.
- In 1896, a school in Trenton was renamed the Gershom Mott Elementary School.
- Fort Mott in Pennsville, New Jersey, was also named for him. This fort helped protect the Delaware River.
- Mott Street in Jamesburg, New Jersey, is named after him. Many streets in that town are named for Civil War figures.
