Isaac F. Shepard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Isaac F. Shepard
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| Birth name | Isaac Fitzgerald Shepard |
| Born | July 7, 1816 Natick, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | August 25, 1899 (aged 83) Bellingham, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Buried |
Ashland Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
Union Army |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Commands held | Missouri Militia (Union) 3rd Missouri Volunteer Infantry Regiment 51st United States Colored Infantry Regiment African Brigade, XVII Corps, |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War
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Isaac Fitzgerald Shepard was an important officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He served as a colonel and was later appointed a brigadier general. However, his appointment as a general was not made permanent by the United States Senate.
Contents
Isaac F. Shepard: A Civil War Leader
Early Life and Education
Isaac Fitzgerald Shepard was born in Natick, Massachusetts, on July 7, 1816. He studied hard and later graduated from Harvard University in 1842.
Joining the Union Army
When the American Civil War began, Shepard joined the Union efforts. On June 18, 1861, he became a major in the Missouri Militia (Union). This was a group of soldiers who helped protect the state.
In August 1861, he worked as an assistant to Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon. Shepard was injured during the Battle of Wilson's Creek on August 10, 1861. This was an important battle early in the war.
Leading Troops
Shepard quickly moved up in rank. On August 30, 1861, he became a lieutenant colonel. Then, on January 18, 1862, he was made a colonel of the 3rd Missouri Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
Later, on May 9, 1863, he became the colonel of the 51st United States Colored Infantry Regiment. These regiments were made up of African American soldiers. As a colonel, he led the African Brigade during the Siege of Vicksburg. This was a very important battle that helped the Union gain control of the Mississippi River.
On November 17, 1863, Shepard was appointed a brigadier general. He was stationed in Vicksburg, Mississippi, leading a group of three regiments of United States Colored Troops. However, the United States Senate did not officially confirm his promotion to brigadier general. Because of this, his appointment ended on July 4, 1864. After this, Shepard went back to Missouri.
Later Life
Isaac Fitzgerald Shepard passed away on August 25, 1889. He died in Bellingham, Massachusetts. He was buried in Ashland Cemetery in Middlesex County, Massachusetts.
