Henry Bertram facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Bertram
(Emil Gustave Victor Beeger) |
|
|---|---|
| Born | October 5, 1825 Ueckermünde, Prussia |
| Died | September 25, 1878 (aged 52) Juneau, Wisconsin |
| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion Army |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1846–1851, 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Unit | 2nd U.S. Artillery |
| Commands held | 20th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry 1st Bde, 1st Div, Army of the Frontier Bertram's Brigade |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War American Civil War |
| Other work | hotel proprietor, sheriff |
Henry Bertram (born October 5, 1825 – died September 25, 1878) was a soldier who came to the United States from Prussia. He became a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He fought in important battles across the country.
Contents
Early Life and First Army Service
Henry Bertram was born in Prussia with the name Emil Gustav Victor Beeger. Before 1846, he moved to the United States. In 1846, he joined the U.S. Army. He used the Americanized name Henry Beeger at this time.
He served in the Mexican–American War. He was part of the 2nd U.S. Artillery. He became a sergeant in August 1846. However, he left the army without permission in January 1851.
Starting Fresh: The Civil War
Before 1861, he changed his name to Henry Bertram. This was likely to avoid problems from leaving the army earlier. In June 1861, under his new name, Bertram joined the 3rd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He started as a first lieutenant.
By July 1861, he had quickly moved up in rank. He became a lieutenant colonel in the 20th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. Bertram and his group of soldiers first saw action at the Battle of Newtonia.
Leading Soldiers in Battle
In December 1862, Bertram became the senior officer in his brigade. A brigade is a large group of soldiers. Even though he was only a lieutenant colonel, he took command of the 1st Brigade. This group was part of Francis Herron's 3rd Division. He led them at the Battle of Prairie Grove.
During this battle, Bertram was called a brigade commander. But he mostly led his own 20th Wisconsin regiment. This was about 430 men. The other groups in his command were sent to fight elsewhere.
Promotions and Key Battles
On December 10, 1862, Bertram was promoted to colonel. After this, he went back to leading just his own regiment. He fought during the Siege of Vicksburg. This was a very important battle.
After Vicksburg, he led brigades in other areas. In August 1864, his brigade moved to the Mobile Bay Land Forces. There, Bertram helped with land operations during the Battle of Mobile Bay. He also fought against Fort Morgan.
He briefly commanded a district in Southern Alabama. Then he returned to leading his brigade. His brigade was part of the XIII Corps. They fought in the Battle of Spanish Fort.
He received an honorary promotion to Brigadier General. This was for his service. He officially left the volunteer army on July 14, 1865.
After the War
After the war ended, Henry Bertram worked as a hotel owner. He also served as a sheriff. He passed away in Wisconsin in 1878.
