Horatio Gates Gibson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Horatio Gates Gibson
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Gibson in 1862.
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| Born | May 22, 1827 Baltimore, Maryland |
| Died | April 27, 1924 (aged 96) Washington, D.C. |
| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1847–1891 |
| Rank |  Colonel brevet brigadier general |
| Commands held | 2nd Ohio Heavy Artillery 3rd U.S. Artillery Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Horatio Gates Gibson (May 22, 1827 – April 27, 1924) was an important soldier in the United States Army. He was an artillery officer, meaning he specialized in cannons and big guns. He also served as a colonel during the American Civil War. After the war, he was given an honorary rank of brevet brigadier general in 1866.
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Early Life and Military Training
Horatio Gates Gibson was born in Baltimore, Maryland. When he was older, he went to the United States Military Academy. This famous school, also known as West Point, is in West Point, New York. He graduated from West Point in 1847.
After graduating, Gibson became an officer in the 3rd Regiment of Artillery. He slowly moved up the ranks in the army during peacetime. By the time the Civil War started, he had become a captain.
Service in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Captain Gibson led a group of artillery soldiers. This group was called Battery C, 3rd U.S. Artillery. His unit was part of the famous U.S. Horse Artillery Brigade. This brigade fought with the Army of the Potomac.
Gibson was recognized for his bravery during battles. He received honorary promotions for his actions. He became a brevet major in 1862 for his courage at the Battle of Williamsburg. Later that year, he became a brevet lieutenant colonel for his actions at the Battle of Antietam.
In 1863, Gibson took on a new role with volunteer soldiers. He commanded the 2nd Ohio Artillery. He served as a lieutenant colonel and then a colonel with this unit. At the end of the war, he received another brevet promotion. This time, he was named a brevet colonel in the regular army.
On January 13, 1866, President Andrew Johnson nominated Gibson for another honorary rank. He was to become a brevet brigadier general of volunteers. The United States Senate approved this promotion on March 12, 1866.
Later Military Career and Retirement
After the volunteer army was disbanded in August 1865, Gibson returned to his permanent rank. He went back to being a captain in the 3rd Artillery. He continued to serve in the army for many years.
He was promoted to major in 1867. Then, he became a lieutenant colonel in 1882. Finally, he reached the rank of colonel in 1883. Horatio Gates Gibson retired from the army on May 22, 1891.
Life After Retirement
Horatio Gates Gibson lived a very long life. He passed away on April 27, 1924, at the age of 97. He was known as the "oldest living West Pointer" at the time. This meant he was the oldest person still alive who had graduated from West Point.
Even in his nineties, he was quite active. He enjoyed smoking several cigars every day. He lived with his daughter in Washington, D.C.
