Henry Hayes Lockwood facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Hayes Lockwood
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Brig. Gen. Henry H. Lockwood
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| Born | August 17, 1814 Kent County, Delaware |
| Died | December 7, 1899 (aged 85) Georgetown, Washington, D.C. |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1836–1837, 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 1st Delaware Infantry Lockwood's Brigade Middle Department |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | Professor Commander of the U.S. Naval Observatory |
Henry Hayes Lockwood (born August 17, 1814 – died December 7, 1899) was an American soldier and teacher. He came from Delaware. During the American Civil War, he became a Brigadier General.
He helped the Union by taking control of the Delmarva Peninsula. This included Virginia's Eastern Shore. He also led the Union's Middle Department in Baltimore. After the war, he went back to teaching at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
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Early Life and Family
Henry Lockwood was born in Camden, Kent County, Delaware. His birthday was August 17, 1814. His parents were William Kirkley Lockwood and Mary Hayes. He had one sister, Anne Eliza.
Henry's father did not remarry after his first wife passed away. Henry's family had a history of helping the country. An ancestor, Joseph Lockwood, helped during the American Revolutionary War. He was part of a finance group and a state meeting.
Henry went to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He finished his studies there in 1836.
His Family Connections
Henry Lockwood married Anna Rogers Booth. Her family was also very important in Delaware. Her father, James Booth Jr., was the Chief Justice of Delaware. Her grandfathers were also important leaders.
One grandfather, James Booth Sr., was Delaware's Secretary of State. He later became a Chief Justice. Her other grandfather, Daniel Rogers, was Delaware's governor.
Henry and Anna had eight children who lived to be adults. They had six daughters and two sons. One son, James Booth Lockwood, became a soldier like his father. He also explored the Arctic, but sadly passed away before his parents.
His Career as a Teacher and Soldier
After graduating from West Point, Lockwood served in the military for one year. He fought against the Seminoles in Florida. He then left the army in 1837 and became a farmer in Delaware.
In 1841, Lockwood started teaching math. He taught at the U.S. Naval Asylum in Philadelphia. He also served on a ship called the United States. This ship helped capture Monterey, California in 1842.
Lockwood continued his teaching career. In 1845, he became a professor at the U.S. Naval School in Annapolis. This school later became the Naval Academy in 1850. He taught about artillery, infantry, astronomy, and gunnery. He also wrote two books: Manual of Naval Batteries (1852) and Exercises in Small Arms and Field Artillery (1852).
Service in the Civil War
When the American Civil War started, Lockwood joined the Union Army. He became a colonel leading the 1st Regiment Delaware Volunteer Infantry. After a big battle called First Battle of Bull Run, President Lincoln was worried. He feared that Confederate supporters on the Delmarva Peninsula might cause trouble.
Lockwood was given a special job on August 8, 1861. He became a brigadier general of volunteers. His first task was to protect the lower Potomac River.
Taking Control of the Eastern Shore
On November 13, 1861, Major General John A. Dix gave Lockwood an important mission. He was to take control of the Eastern Shore of Virginia. This area included Accomack and Northampton Counties. These counties are at the southern tip of the Delmarva Peninsula.
Lockwood gathered his troops at Pocomoke City, Maryland. He promised the people of Virginia that if they did not fight, their businesses would return to normal. He also promised their lighthouses would be lit again. And their property would be safe.
Because of this, the local Confederate soldiers left without a fight. Lockwood's plan worked well. He even gave the rebels time to retreat. This was a key part of his strategy to bring peace to the area.
Protecting Key Areas
On July 23, 1862, Lockwood used the Cessford estate as his headquarters. This was in Eastville, Virginia. He used this place often during the war. From here, he led the Union defenses. He protected Point Lookout, Maryland and areas further south on the Delmarva Peninsula.
Lockwood's work helped protect a very important telegraph line. This line connected Hampton Roads across the Delmarva Peninsula. It went all the way to Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington.
Battles and Commands
In July 1863, General Lockwood led a group of soldiers at the Battle of Gettysburg. His group was part of the XII Corps. Later, in the winter of 1863–64, Lockwood was in charge of the Middle Department. His main office was in Baltimore, Maryland.
He also led troops against General Jubal A. Early in July 1864. This was during Early's attack. During the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse, General John C. Robinson was badly hurt. Lockwood was assigned to command his division on May 29, during the Battle of Totopotomoy Creek.
However, the corps commander, Maj. Gen. Gouverneur K. Warren, sent Lockwood back to the Middle Department. He felt Lockwood was not ready for such a high command.
After the War
After the Civil War ended, Lockwood left the army on August 25, 1865. He went back to teaching at the U.S. Naval Academy. From 1870 to 1876, he was in charge of the U.S. Naval Observatory. He retired from service on August 4, 1876.
His son, James Booth Lockwood, also had an interesting career. James was born at the Naval Academy. He became a second lieutenant in 1873. He spent seven years doing military duties. He also surveyed land and worked with telegraphs. James volunteered for an Arctic trip called the Lady Franklin Bay Expedition. Sadly, he was not among the few survivors.
Later Years and Legacy
General Lockwood passed away in Washington D.C.'s Georgetown neighborhood in 1899. This was five years after his wife died. It was also six years after his son James's remains were brought back and buried.
General Lockwood was survived by his six daughters and his younger son, Henry. He and his wife are buried at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, Maryland.
Images for kids
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Brig. Gen. Henry H. Lockwood
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Rank insignia for a Brigadier General in the Union Army
