Henry Ruhl Guss facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Ruhl Guss
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Henry Ruhl Guss
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| Born | July 28, 1825 Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, US |
| Died | April 25, 1907 (aged 81) West Chester, Pennsylvania, US |
| Place of burial |
Oaklands Cemetery, West Chester, Pennsylvania, US
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1863 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Major General |
| Unit | 9th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment |
| Commands held | 97th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | |
Henry Ruhl Guss (born July 28, 1825 – died April 25, 1907) was a brave officer in the Union Army. He fought during the American Civil War. Guss helped create and lead the 97th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment. This group was made of soldiers from Chester and Delaware Counties in Pennsylvania. He became a colonel during the war. After the war, he was honored with higher ranks, like major general. This was for his great service.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Henry Ruhl Guss was born on July 28, 1825. His birthplace was Chester Springs, Pennsylvania. In 1836, his family moved to West Chester, Pennsylvania. He went to local schools there. He also attended the Joshua Hoopes Academy.
As an adult, Guss worked in making bricks. He also owned a hotel called the Green Tree Inn. This hotel was in West Chester.
Starting a Militia Company
In 1846, Guss started a volunteer army group. It was called the National Guards of West Chester. He became a first lieutenant in this company. This happened on September 11, 1854. Later, on June 6, 1859, he became the commanding officer.
Military Career During the Civil War
On April 21, 1861, President Abraham Lincoln asked for volunteers. Guss and over 300 men from his National Guards answered the call. They marched to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. These troops formed three companies. They became part of the 9th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. Guss served as captain of Company A. The 9th Regiment finished its service on July 29, 1861.
Leading the 97th Pennsylvania Infantry
On July 25, 1861, Guss was made a colonel. He was given permission to gather a new regiment. This group was formed from soldiers in Chester and Delaware Counties. It became known as the 97th Pennsylvania Infantry.
The 97th Regiment was sent to Hilton Head, South Carolina. They joined the Expeditionary Corps. This group was led by Brigadier General Horatio Gates Wright. Guss and the 97th Regiment fought in several important battles. These included the Siege of Fort Pulaski. They also took part in the occupation of Fort Clinch. Other battles were the Battle of Grimball's Landing and the Battle of Secessionville.
Later Honors and Retirement
Guss left the army on June 22, 1864. Lieutenant Colonel Galusha Pennypacker took his place. On May 21, 1867, Guss received a special promotion. Secretary of War, Edwin M. Stanton, promoted him. He became a brevet Brigadier General. A "brevet" rank is an honorary promotion. It is given for good service, but without a pay raise.
On June 17, 1867, he received another brevet promotion. He became a brevet Major General. These honors were for his loyal and excellent service during the war.
Guss was also the president of a group for his old regiment. It was called the Society of the Ninety-seventh Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. He hosted a reunion for them in 1884. It took place at the Green Tree Hotel. Interestingly, he was also the uncle of the famous showman, Buffalo Bill.
Henry Ruhl Guss passed away in West Chester on April 25, 1907. He was buried at Oaklands Cemetery.
