Henry A. Barnum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Alanson Barnum
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General Barnum in his Army uniform during the civil war
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| Born | September 24, 1833 Jamesville, New York |
| Died | January 29, 1892 (aged 58) New York City, New York |
| Place of burial |
Oakwood Cemetery, Syracuse, New York
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| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
 United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1866 |
| Rank |  Brevet Major General |
| Commands held |  149th Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
| Other work | Served as Inspector of State Prisons
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Henry Alanson Barnum (born September 24, 1833 – died January 29, 1892) was a brave officer in the United States Army. He fought during the American Civil War. He also received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery in the U.S. military.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Henry Barnum was born in Jamesville, New York. He went to school there and later studied at Syracuse Institute. In 1860, he became a lawyer.
Serving in the Civil War
Barnum joined the U.S. Army on May 13, 1861. He was 27 years old. He started as a Captain, leading Company I of the 12th New York Infantry. In October 1861, he was promoted to Major in the same regiment.
He served well in battles, including the Peninsula Campaign. This campaign was led by Major General George B. McClellan. On July 1, 1862, Barnum was badly wounded at the Battle of Malvern Hill in Virginia. He was shot in his left hip. At first, everyone thought he would die, and he was left behind. But he survived and returned to his side.
After recovering, he became a Colonel in the 149th Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry. This was on October 4, 1862. He joined his new regiment in January 1863. However, he needed more surgery and had to take time off for treatment.
He rejoined his regiment during the Gettysburg Campaign. But he was still too sick to fight all the time. In August 1863, he had to leave again for more treatment in Washington, D.C.
Key Battles and Injuries
Barnum returned to his regiment in November 1863. He was wounded again on November 24, 1863. This happened during the Battle of Lookout Mountain. He was leading his regiment in a charge when he got a flesh wound in his right arm.
In December 1863, he was chosen for a special mission. He took captured flags from his regiment and others to the War Department in Washington. For this brave act, he later received the Medal of Honor. While on this mission, he also got more medical treatment.
He rejoined his command around June 26, 1864, at Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia. A few days later, on July 20, 1864, he was wounded again. This time, a shell fragment hit his right side at Peach Tree Creek, Georgia.
Leading the Brigade
On September 10, after Colonel David Ireland died, Barnum took command of the 3rd Brigade. He led this group for the rest of the war.
At Savannah, Georgia, Barnum led his brigade into the captured city. He was part of General Sherman's army. He was in charge of the western part of the city while Sherman's army occupied it.
Soon after Savannah was captured, Barnum was promoted. He became a Brigadier General of U.S. Volunteers. Later, he was promoted again to Major General of U.S. Volunteers.
Life After the War
Barnum left the army on January 9, 1866.
After the war, Henry Barnum was often honored. He held several important public jobs. From 1866 to 1868, he was the New York State Prison Inspector. He was also a member of the New York State Assembly in 1885.
Henry Alanson Barnum passed away in New York City. He is buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Syracuse, New York.
