Greely S. Curtis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Greely Stevenson Curtis, Sr.
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|---|---|
| Born | November 21, 1830 Boston, Massachusetts |
| Died | February 12, 1897 Boston, Massachusetts |
| Place of burial |
Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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| Allegiance |  Union |
| Service/ |
Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861 – 1865 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Commands held | 1st Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards | Brevet Brigadier General |
| Other work | Boston fire commissioner, 1876–1878 |
Greely Stevenson Curtis (born November 21, 1830 – died February 12, 1897) was an officer who volunteered to serve in the Union Army. He fought during the American Civil War.
Early Life and Family
Greely Stevenson Curtis was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on November 21, 1830. He had a brother named James F. Curtis. James also served in the Civil War. He was a Colonel and later became an honorary (brevet) brigadier general. This award was for his loyal and excellent service during the war.
Military Service in the Civil War
Greely Curtis started his military career as a captain. He served in the 2nd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment. A captain is an officer who leads a company of soldiers.
Later, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel. This rank is higher than a captain. He became the commander of the 1st Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry. This unit was a group of soldiers who fought on horseback.
After the war, on March 28, 1867, President Andrew Johnson recognized Curtis's bravery. He nominated Curtis for an honorary rank. This rank was "brevet brigadier general." A brevet rank is an honorary promotion. It is given for special service, but it does not come with higher pay or command. The U.S. Senate approved this award a few days later, on March 30, 1867.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, Greely Curtis returned to civilian life. He worked as a civil engineer. This means he designed and built things like roads or bridges. He was also an architect, designing buildings.
From 1876 to 1878, he served as the fire commissioner for Boston. This job involved overseeing the city's fire department. Greely S. Curtis passed away on February 12, 1897, in Boston. He is buried at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
