Henry Martyn Lazelle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Martyn Lazelle
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Henry M. Lazelle
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| Born | September 8, 1832 Worcester, Massachusetts |
| Died | July 21, 1917 (aged 84) Georgeville, Quebec |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1855–1894 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Commands held | 16th New York Cavalry Regiment Commandant of Cadets 23rd U.S. Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War Indian Wars |
| Other work | author |
Henry Martyn Lazelle (born September 8, 1832 – died July 21, 1917) was an important officer in the United States Army. He served in the American Civil War and the Indian Wars. He was also the leader of the cadets at the United States Military Academy from 1879 to 1882.
Early Life and Education
Henry Martyn Lazelle was born in Enfield, Massachusetts. He went to public schools there.
When he was four years old, he lost his parents. Other family members and friends helped raise him. In 1850, he started at the United States Military Academy. He was roommates with James MacNeil Whistler, who later became a famous artist. After graduating in 1855, he changed the spelling of his last name to Lazelle.
Military Career
Later in 1855, Lazelle became a second lieutenant in the 8th U.S. Infantry. He was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas. In February 1859, he was shot in the lungs during a fight with Mescalero Apaches. He was promoted to first lieutenant in April 1861.
When the American Civil War began, Lazelle was at Fort Bliss in Texas. In May 1861, he and his fellow soldiers were captured by Texas rebels. He was held prisoner until July 1862. During this time, he was promoted to captain. From then until October 1863, he worked in Washington D.C.. He helped manage prisoners of war.
From October 1863 to October 1864, he was a colonel of the 16th Regiment New York Volunteer Cavalry. His unit fought against Mosby's Rangers in the Upper South. He left his volunteer position in October 1864. He then worked for General Frederick Steele until February 1865. After that, he helped with recruiting soldiers until March 1866.
After the Civil War
Lazelle rejoined the 8th Infantry in March 1866. He helped with Reconstruction duties in North and South Carolina. He also served with his regiment at David's Island from October 1870 to July 1872.
From July 1872 to May 1874, he was assigned to the Department of the Platte in the West. The Army's job was to protect people moving west and to deal with Native American tribes. From September 1874 to March 1875, he commanded Fort Yuma. In December 1874, he was promoted to major of the 1st Infantry. He joined this regiment in June 1875. In 1877, Lazelle chased a group of Lakota Sioux led by Lame Deer. In 1878, he helped set up Fort Meade (South Dakota).
In May 1879, he became the Commandant of Cadets at the United States Military Academy. In June 1881, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel of the 23rd Infantry.
He joined the 23rd Infantry in December 1882 at Fort Craig. He was the commander there until February 1884. Lazelle then worked as an inspector for different army divisions. From November 1885 to March 1886, he observed the British Army's training in India. He returned to the Department of the Columbia as an Assistant Inspector General until May 1887. He then moved to Washington, D.C., to help publish the Official Records of the American Civil War. In February 1889, he was promoted to colonel of the 18th Infantry. He commanded this regiment and Fort Clark until July 1894. He retired from the Army in November 1894 due to a disability.
Later Life and Family
Lazelle was married and had children. One of his sons, Jacob, also went to West Point. Jacob served under his father at Fort Bliss. Sadly, Jacob died in 1898 while traveling to Manila, Philippines during the Spanish–American War.
Colonel Lazelle's wife passed away at Fort Clark, Texas, in January 1893. After retiring from the Army, Lazelle moved to Virginia. He farmed there until 1898. After that, he lived part-time in Canada and part-time in Massachusetts. In April 1904, he was promoted to brigadier general on the retired list. He remarried later that year.
He also wrote several books. These included One Law in Nature and Matter, Force, and Spirit; or, Scientific Evidence of a Supreme Intelligence (1895).
Henry Martyn Lazelle died on July 21, 1917, in Georgeville, Quebec.
