Heinrich Julius Alexander von Kalb facts for kids
Heinrich Julius Alexander von Kalb or Henry Jules Alexandre de Kalb (born November 25, 1752 – died April 8, 1806) was a German officer who served in the French Army.
He was born in Jena, which is in Germany. His father, Karl Alexander von Kalb, was a high-ranking official in Saxe-Weimar.
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Life of Heinrich von Kalb
Early Years and Military Service
When he was 16, in 1770, Heinrich von Kalb became a lieutenant in a French army unit called the Royal Deux-Ponts Regiment. He quickly moved up in rank.
His regiment was part of a large force sent by France to help the United States fight for its independence in the American Revolutionary War. General George Washington, who led the American army, praised von Kalb for his brave actions. It's important not to confuse him with Baron Johann von Kalb, another officer who also fought in the same war.
Family Life and Challenges
After returning to Germany, Heinrich von Kalb married Charlotte von Marschalk und Ostheim. Because he was a soldier, he could only spend the winter months with his wife. Their marriage was not very happy, and they eventually separated in 1800, though they remained officially married. They had one son together.
Later Life and Retirement
The French Revolution changed his military career. In 1791, he was involved in an attempt by King Louis XVI to escape during the revolution. Because of this, he was sent back to Thuringia in Germany and lost his army pension.
He tried to join the army of a German state, but he was not successful. Also, his brother had used up the family's money. Heinrich then moved to his estate near Trabelsdorf. He later had three children with Barbara Tod. He passed away in 1806 in Munich.
