Henry Dwight Terry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Dwight Terry
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Henry Dwight Terry
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| Born | March 16, 1812 Hartford, Connecticut, US |
| Died | June 22, 1869 (aged 57) Washington, D.C., US |
| Buried |
Clinton Grove Cemetery, Macomb County, Michigan
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| Allegiance | United States Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 5th Michigan Infantry 1st Brigade, 1st Division, VII Corps 3rd Division, VI Corps Johnson's Island |
| Battles/wars | Peninsula Campaign Siege of Suffolk |
Henry Dwight Terry (born March 16, 1812 – died June 22, 1869) was an important American soldier. He became a Brigadier General in the U.S. Army. He played a role in the American Civil War.
Contents
Growing Up and Becoming a Lawyer
Henry Dwight Terry was born in Hartford, Connecticut. When he was young, he moved to Michigan. There, he studied law and became a lawyer in Detroit.
Serving in the Civil War
Terry was very interested in military life. When the Civil War started, he helped create a new group of soldiers. This group was called the 5th Michigan Infantry. On June 10, 1861, he became their colonel. During the first winter of the war, his regiment helped protect Washington, D.C..
Early Battles in Virginia
In 1862, Terry's 5th Michigan Infantry joined the Army of the Potomac. They fought in the Peninsula Campaign in Virginia. His soldiers faced tough battles at Williamsburg and Seven Pines. They suffered many losses. In July, Terry was promoted to Brigadier General.
The Siege of Suffolk
In early 1863, General Terry's brigade was sent to Suffolk, Virginia. His group included soldiers from New York, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. In April and May, Confederate soldiers surrounded them. This event was known as the Siege of Suffolk. After the siege ended, Terry's brigade moved to White House, Virginia. For three weeks, they threatened the supply lines of General Robert E. Lee. This was during the Confederate invasion of Pennsylvania.
Later Campaigns and Retirement
On July 1, 1863, Terry's command marched near the Confederate capital, Richmond, Virginia. They met some enemy defenders. Terry believed many more enemies were gathering behind them. This led to a retreat on July 2. After this event, Terry was sent back to the Army of the Potomac. That autumn, he led a division in the VI Corps. His troops supported another general during the Mine Run Campaign in November. Less than two months later, his division was sent to guard a prison camp on Johnson's Island, Ohio.
In May 1864, Terry's division returned to Virginia. However, he was left without a command. He remained on inactive duty until he resigned on February 7, 1865.
After the War
After leaving the army, Henry Dwight Terry went back to being a lawyer. He practiced law in Washington, D.C.. He passed away there on June 22, 1869, at age 57. He was buried in Clinton Grove Cemetery, near Detroit.
