Isaac Ferdinand Quinby facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Isaac Ferdinand Quinby
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| Born | January 29, 1821 Morristown, New Jersey |
| Died | September 18, 1891 (aged 70) Rochester, New York |
| Place of burial |
Mount Hope Cemetery, Rochester, New York
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1843–1852, 1861–1863 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General of Volunteers |
| Commands held | 13th New York Volunteer Infantry 7th Division, XVII Corps |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War American Civil War |
| Other work | professor, U.S. Marshal, author |
Isaac Ferdinand Quinby (born January 29, 1821 – died September 18, 1891) was an American soldier. He became a general for the Union Army during the American Civil War. He also worked as a professor and a U.S. Marshal.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Isaac Quinby was born near Morristown, New Jersey, in 1821. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. He was a very good student, graduating in 1843. He ranked 6th in his class of 39 students.
His first jobs in the army were with the 2nd U.S. Artillery. Later, he served in the 3rd U.S. Artillery during the Mexican–American War. In 1852, he left the army. He then moved to New York. There, he became a professor of math and philosophy at the University of Rochester.
Service in the Civil War
When the American Civil War started in 1861, Quinby returned to military service. He was made a colonel of the 13th New York Volunteer Infantry. He led his soldiers in their first major battle. This was the First Battle of Bull Run in 1861.
In August of that year, he left the army for a short time. But on March 17, 1862, he was made a brigadier general. He was sent to the western part of the war. There, he commanded the Sub-district of Columbus.
Key Commands and Battles
Soon after arriving in the West, General Quinby took command of the District of Mississippi. His troops captured Fort Pillow on May 22, 1862. After leading other districts, Quinby was put in charge of the 7th Division. This division was part of the XIII Corps. Later, it became part of General James B. McPherson’s XVII Corps.
Yazoo Pass Expedition
In March 1863, Admiral David D. Porter and General Leonard F. Ross led the Yazoo Pass Expedition. This mission was against a Confederate fort called Fort Pemberton. Quinby’s division was sent to help them.
Quinby met Ross and Porter on March 20. He learned the mission had failed. But he convinced them to try again. They tried two more times, but the attacks were not successful. The expedition ended on April 5.
During this time, Quinby became sick. He had to take a break from duty. General Marcellus M. Crocker took over his division.
Siege of Vicksburg
Quinby got better and returned to duty on May 16. However, General Crocker kept command of the division. This was because they were getting ready for the Battle of Champion Hill. Quinby agreed, as he was still feeling weak. He stayed on the battlefield until the fight was over. Then, he officially took command of the division again.
Quinby led his division during the attacks on Vicksburg on May 22. During the long siege, on June 3, Quinby became ill again. He took another sick leave. This time, he did not return to lead troops in the field. He went back to New York. There, he commanded a Draft Depot in Elmira, New York. He left the army for good on December 31, 1863.
Later Life and Legacy
After the war, Quinby returned to his job as a professor. He taught at the University of Rochester from 1863 until 1884. Later in his life, he worked as a U.S. Marshal. He also became an author, writing books. Isaac Ferdinand Quinby died in Rochester, New York, in 1891.
Images for kids
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Bust of Quinby by William Couper at Vicksburg National Military Park
