Henry V. Boynton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Van Ness Boynton
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Boynton in the 1870s
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| Born | June 22, 1835 West Stockbridge, Massachusetts |
| Died | June 3, 1905 (aged 69) Atlantic City, New Jersey |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1864, 1898–1899 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Unit |  35th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry |
| Commands held | 35th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War *Battle of Chickamauga *Battle of Missionary Ridge Spanish–American War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Henry Van Ness Boynton (born June 22, 1835 – died June 3, 1905) was an important officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery in the United States. He earned this award for his actions at the Battle of Missionary Ridge. Later, he served again in the military during the Spanish–American War in 1898 and became a brigadier general.
Early Life and Education
Henry Van Ness Boynton was born in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts. However, he grew up in the state of Ohio. He finished his studies at Woodward College in Cincinnati in 1854. Later, he graduated from the Kentucky Military Institute in 1859. While at the institute, he joined a fraternity called Phi Delta Theta.
Service in the Civil War
From July 1861 to September 1864, Boynton was an officer in the 35th Ohio Infantry. He started as the first major of his regiment. He quickly moved up in rank to become the commanding officer. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel.
Boynton led the 35th Ohio Infantry in two major battles. These were the Battle of Chickamauga and the Battle of Missionary Ridge. He received the Medal of Honor for his brave actions on November 25, 1863, during the Battle of Missionary Ridge. This medal is America's highest military award.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, Henry Boynton returned to civilian life. In 1871, he married Helen Augusta Mason. He became a newspaper writer in Washington, D.C..
Boynton also played a key role in creating the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. He was the chairman of the committee that oversaw its development. This park helps remember important Civil War battles.
In June 1898, Boynton returned to military service. He became a brigadier general during the Spanish–American War. He finished his service in April 1899.
Henry Boynton passed away in 1905 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. His funeral was held on June 3, 1905. Many important people attended, including President Theodore Roosevelt. A group of his old comrades from the Army of the Cumberland also came. He was buried on June 7, 1905, at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
