Henry R. Tilton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry R. Tilton
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Henry R. Tilton prior to his retirement in 1900.
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| Born | February 1, 1836 Barnegat Township, New Jersey, United States |
| Died | June 25, 1906 (aged 70) Sackets Harbour |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1900 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Unit | 7th U.S. Cavalry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War Indian Wars Nez Perce War Great Sioux War of 1876-77 1873 Yellowstone River Expedition |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Colonel Henry Remsen Tilton (born February 1, 1836 – died June 25, 1906) was an American army doctor who worked for the U.S. Army. He served during the Civil War and the Indian Wars. He was an officer with the 7th U.S. Cavalry. During the Nez Perce War, he showed great bravery at the Battle of Bear Paw Mountain on September 30, 1877. He saved and protected many wounded soldiers during this battle. For his brave actions, he received the Medal of Honor almost twenty years later.
Contents
Henry Tilton's Life and Service
Early Life and Civil War
Henry Remsen Tilton was born in Barnegat Township, New Jersey, on February 1, 1836. He studied medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and graduated in 1859. When the American Civil War started, he joined the United States Army. He became an assistant surgeon on August 26, 1861, in Jersey City.
During the war, Tilton worked as a first lieutenant and surgeon. He served in different federal hospitals. For his "faithful and meritorious service," he was promoted to captain and major on March 13, 1865. After the war, he became a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.
Service After the Civil War
Tilton continued to work for the Army Medical Department after the war. From 1866 to 1870, he was the post surgeon at Fort Lyon in the Colorado Territory. In May 1868, while at Fort Lyon, Tilton treated Kit Carson. Carson was a famous frontiersman who had become ill.
That same year, Tilton saw his first combat. He took part in small fights with the Cheyenne people on September 8 and October 7, 1868. Later, in 1873, Tilton joined Colonel David S. Stanley on an expedition. They explored the Yellowstone River in the Montana Territory.
Tilton was then stationed at various frontier posts in the North Plains. In 1876, he became a major-surgeon. The next year, Tilton served under General Nelson A. Miles at the Battle of Wolf Mountain. This was the last major battle of the Great Sioux War of 1876-77.
Bravery in the Nez Perce War
Just a few months later, Tilton was again under General Miles' command. This was when the Nez Perce War began that summer. Tilton was assigned to the 7th U.S. Cavalry Regiment. He later wrote about the campaign in an article called "After the Nez Perce."
On September 30, 1877, Tilton showed great courage at the Battle of Bear Paw Mountain. This battle was against Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce people. Tilton bravely went into heavy gunfire to save and protect many wounded soldiers on the battlefield. His heroic actions were recognized almost twenty years later. On March 22, 1895, he received the Medal of Honor.
Later Career and Passing
Tilton spent the rest of his career in the medical department. He served as a deputy surgeon general. He retired from active service as a lieutenant colonel on February 2, 1900. Upon retirement, he was made a full colonel.
Henry Remsen Tilton passed away in Sackets Harbor, New York, on June 25, 1906. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. His wife, Anna M. Tilton, had died six months before him. They were buried next to each other.
Awards and Recognition
- Medal of Honor
- Civil War Campaign Medal
- Indian Campaign Medal
- Spanish Campaign Medal
