Henry Capehart facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Capehart
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Henry Capehart
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| Born | March 18, 1825 Johnstown, Pennsylvania, US |
| Died | April 15, 1895 (aged 70) Fargo, North Dakota, US |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Major General |
| Commands held |  1st Regiment West Virginia Volunteer Cavalry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Henry Capehart was a brave American soldier and doctor. He lived from 1825 to 1895. During the American Civil War, he was a surgeon and a leader in the U.S. Cavalry. He earned the highest military award, the Medal of Honor. He got it for saving a soldier from drowning in the Greenbrier River while under enemy fire! This amazing rescue happened in West Virginia on May 22, 1864.
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Henry Capehart's Early Life
Henry Capehart was born on March 18, 1825. His hometown was near Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He went to high school in Pittsburgh. Henry had a younger brother named Charles E. Capehart. He helped raise Charles after their mother passed away early.
After finishing college at Jefferson College, Henry moved to Waynesburg. This was in 1847. He wanted to continue his medical studies there. By 1849, he earned his medical license. He then started his own doctor's office in Bridgeport, Ohio.
Military Service in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Henry Capehart left his medical practice. He volunteered to join the Union Army. On September 18, 1861, he became a surgeon. He served with the 1st West Virginia Cavalry regiment.
In 1863, he took part in several important battles. These included the Battle of Gettysburg, Bristoe Station, and Mine Run. His bravery was noticed by other generals. Because of their recommendations, Henry Capehart became a colonel. He took command of his regiment on February 22, 1864.
A Heroic Rescue: The Medal of Honor
In May 1864, Colonel Capehart and his cavalry joined campaigns. They fought along the Shenandoah Valley. On May 22, something incredible happened. They were crossing the Greenbrier River. Enemy soldiers were firing at them.
Suddenly, Private Watson Karr was swept off his horse. The river was moving very fast. Colonel Capehart tried to grab him as he floated by. But Capehart was also pulled off his own horse! Both men were carried down the river. They even went over a waterfall.
After the waterfall, Capehart managed to grab Private Karr. He pulled him out of the dangerous water. Years later, on February 12, 1895, Henry Capehart received the Medal of Honor for this brave act. His award citation simply says: "Saved, under fire, the life of a drowning soldier."
Promotions and End of Service
Later, Henry Capehart was given command of a cavalry brigade. This was a larger group of soldiers. General George Armstrong Custer recommended him for another promotion. On March 13, 1865, Capehart became a Brevet Brigadier General. A "brevet" rank is an honorary promotion.
Capehart's brigade then joined Custer's division. They fought together in the Appomattox Campaign. This was one of the final campaigns of the war. After the Confederate army surrendered at Appomattox, Capehart was promoted again. On June 17, 1865, he became a Brevet Major General. He officially left the army on July 8, 1865, in Wheeling, West Virginia.
Henry Capehart passed away in 1895. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. This famous cemetery is in Arlington, Virginia. His brother, Major Charles E. Capehart, also received the Medal of Honor for his bravery in the Civil War.
