Henry J. Madill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry J. Madill
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| Birth name | Henry John Madill |
| Born | March 30, 1829 Hunterstown, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | June 29, 1899 (aged 70) Wysox, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
Union Army |
| Rank | Major General |
| Commands held | 6th Pennsylvania Reserves 141st Pennsylvania Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Henry John Madill (born March 30, 1829 – died June 29, 1899) was an American lawyer and a brave U.S. Army officer. He served as a Colonel during the important American Civil War. Madill was known for his courage, being wounded three times and having six horses shot from under him during battles. He rose through the ranks to become a Major General by the end of the war.
Contents
Who Was Henry J. Madill?
Henry John Madill was born in Hunterstown, Pennsylvania. His father, Dr. Alexander Madill, was an immigrant from Scotland and Ireland. Henry grew up to be a smart and dedicated person.
Early Life and Education
Henry Madill received his education at home, which means he was taught privately. He studied hard and became a lawyer. In 1851, he was allowed to practice law in Bradford County. This was an important step in his early career.
Joining the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Henry Madill chose to serve his country. The Civil War was a huge conflict in the United States from 1861 to 1865. It was fought between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states (the Confederacy). Madill joined the Union Army.
Rising Through the Ranks
Henry Madill quickly showed his leadership skills.
- On June 22, 1861, he was made a Major in the 6th Pennsylvania Reserves. This was his first important military role.
- Just over a year later, on August 30, 1862, he was promoted to Colonel of the 141st Pennsylvania Infantry. This meant he was in charge of a large group of soldiers.
- He continued to earn respect for his bravery. On December 2, 1864, the President gave him the honorary rank of Brigadier General. This special rank is called a "brevet."
- Then, on March 15, 1865, he received another honorary rank: Major General of volunteers. This showed how much he had achieved during the war.
Key Battles and Achievements
Colonel Madill was a true leader on the battlefield.
- On July 23, 1863, he commanded a group of soldiers (a brigade) at the Battle of Manassas Gap. This was an important battle during the war.
- He was known for his incredible courage. During the fighting, he was wounded three different times.
- Even more amazingly, six horses were shot and killed while he was riding them in battle. This shows how close he was to the action and how much danger he faced.
After the War
After the American Civil War ended, Henry J. Madill returned home. He passed away on June 29, 1899, in Wysox, Pennsylvania. He is remembered as a brave soldier and a dedicated leader who served his country during a very difficult time.
