Hiram Scofield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hiram Scofield
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| Born | July 1, 1830 Saratoga County, New York |
| Died | December 30, 1906 (aged 76) Seattle, Washington |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1866 |
| Rank |  Colonel Bvt. Brigadier General |
| Unit | 2nd Iowa Infantry Regiment |
| Commands held | 8th Louisiana Infantry Regiment (African Descent) 47th U.S. Colored Troops |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Fort Donelson Battle of Shiloh Battle of Vicksburg Battle of Memphis Battle of Fort Blakely |
Hiram Scofield (born July 1, 1830 – died December 30, 1906) was an important figure in American history. He was a lawyer who also served as an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He started his military career as a private soldier in 1861. By the time he left the army in 1866, he had become a colonel. Later, he was recognized as a brevet brigadier general. This was a special honor given for his brave service.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Hiram Scofield was born in a quiet, rural area of Saratoga County, New York. He was a very smart student. He went to Union College to study. After that, he attended Albany Law School. He finished law school in 1856. Two years later, in 1858, he started his own law business in Washington, Iowa.
Serving in the Civil War
Scofield joined the Union Army in April 1861. This was right at the start of the American Civil War. He became a private in Company H of the 2nd Iowa Infantry. He quickly showed his leadership skills.
Rising Through the Ranks
Scofield was promoted to second lieutenant. Then he became a first lieutenant. In February 1862, he took command of his company. This was around the time of the Battle of Fort Donelson. He later served as an assistant to General Jacob Gartner Lauman at the Battle of Shiloh. During this battle, Scofield was wounded in the leg. But he was back on duty within a month. He also worked with General John McArthur during the Battle of Vicksburg and the Battle of Memphis.
Leading African American Troops
In the spring of 1863, Scofield took on a very important role. He helped organize and then led the 8th Louisiana Regiment Infantry (African Descent). This regiment was made up of African American soldiers. They took part in an expedition up the Yazoo River. In 1864, he was given command of the 2nd Brigade. This brigade was part of General Edward Canby's division.
His regiment moved to Pensacola, Florida. They then fought in the Battle of Fort Blakely. They also helped capture Mobile, Alabama. After these battles, Scofield and his soldiers were stationed in Louisiana and Texas.
End of Service and Recognition
Scofield officially left the volunteer army on January 5, 1866. On February 24, 1866, President Andrew Johnson honored him. He nominated Scofield to be a brevet brigadier general. This special rank was effective from March 13, 1865. The United States Senate confirmed this honor on April 10, 1866.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, Hiram Scofield went back to being a lawyer in Iowa. He continued his law practice for many years. He worked as a lawyer until he passed away in 1906. He died in Seattle, Washington.
Hiram Scofield was also known for his amazing collection of books. He had one of the largest private libraries in the entire nation. After he died, his huge library was divided. Some books went to the city of Washington, and others to Wellman.
