Henry Armstrong Reed facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Armstrong Reed
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Henry Armstrong "Autie" Reed
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| Nickname(s) | Autie |
| Born | April 27, 1858 Monroe, Michigan |
| Died | June 25, 1876 (aged 18) Little Bighorn, Montana |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | May 10 – June 25, 1876 |
| Unit | 7th Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Great Sioux War of 1876–77 |
Henry Armstrong Reed (born April 27, 1858 – died June 25, 1876) was a young man connected to famous military figures. He was the nephew of George Armstrong Custer, Thomas Custer, and Boston Custer. Even though he wasn't an official soldier, he died with them at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. He was only 18 years old.
Early Life of Henry Reed
Henry Reed was born on April 27, 1858. His hometown was Monroe, Michigan. He had several sisters, but he was the only son of David and Lydia Reed. From a young age, his mother gave him the nickname "Autie." This nickname came from his middle name, Armstrong. His famous uncle, George Armstrong Custer, also shared this name.
Joining the 7th Cavalry Regiment
Henry was greatly influenced by his uncles, who were in the military. In May 1876, he left Monroe with his sister Emma. They traveled to Fort Abraham Lincoln in the Dakota Territory.
On May 10, he got a job there. He became a beef herder for the 7th Cavalry Regiment. This army unit was led by his uncle, George Armstrong Custer.
Reed joined the 7th Cavalry Regiment soon after the Great Sioux War of 1876–77 began. This war was part of the larger American Indian Wars in the Montana Territory. Henry was never officially a soldier. However, he volunteered to help in the Battle of the Little Bighorn on June 25, 1876.
Normally, this would not have been allowed. But because he was part of the "Custer Clan" with his three uncles, they gave him permission. He was allowed to take part in the battle. John Burkman, an orderly for the regiment, wanted Reed to stay behind. Burkman thought Reed should stay with the herding train. Burkman himself was ordered to stay behind. Reed teased him, saying, "You're mad because you can't go along." Then, he rode off on his horse to join the fight.
Death at Little Bighorn
The Battle of the Little Bighorn was a terrible defeat for the 7th Cavalry Regiment. Henry Reed was killed during this battle. All three of his uncles who fought there also died. These were George, Boston, and Thomas. Reed's uncle-in-law, James Calhoun, also died.
Henry Reed was killed on a place called Last Stand Hill. A marble marker was later placed there. It marks the exact spot where his body was found a few days later.
He was first buried on the battlefield. But a year later, his body was moved. It was reburied at the Woodland Cemetery. This cemetery is in his hometown of Monroe, Michigan. The marble marker still stands at its original spot. Today, this area is known as the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.
