Isaac S. Catlin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Isaac Swartwood Catlin
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Isaac S. Catlin
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| Born | July 8, 1835 Owego, New York |
| Died | January 19, 1916 (aged 80) Brooklyn, New York |
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| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861 – 1865 1867 – 1870 |
| Rank |  Brevet Major General |
| Unit |  109th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment |
| Commands held | 109th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
| Relations | Benjamin F. Tracy (brother-in-law) |
Isaac Swartwood Catlin (born July 8, 1835 – died January 19, 1916) was an American lawyer and a brave officer. He fought in the American Civil War. Isaac was born in Owego, New York. He studied law in New York City before starting his career.
When the Civil War began, he joined the Union Army. He became the leader of the 109th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. During a battle, he was badly hurt. But he kept leading his soldiers even after being wounded a second time. This second injury caused him to lose his leg. For his amazing bravery, he received the Medal of Honor. This is the highest award a soldier can get in the U.S. military. After the war, he became a lawyer and a district attorney in Brooklyn.
Early Life and Education
Isaac Catlin was born on July 8, 1835. His parents were Nathaniel and Jane Catlin. He grew up in Owego, New York. Isaac went to Owego Academy for his early schooling. Later, he studied at Hobart College for one year.
In 1856, he moved to New York City to study law. He became a lawyer the next year. In 1859, he went back to Owego. He joined a law firm there. His brother-in-law, Benjamin F. Tracy, was also a lawyer in this firm. Benjamin Tracy also won the Medal of Honor in the Civil War. He later became the United States Secretary of the Navy. Isaac Catlin was elected mayor of Owego in 1860. He served as mayor until the war started. In 1862, Isaac married Virginia H.S. Bacon in Brooklyn. They had one son and one daughter.
Military Service and Bravery
When the Civil War started, President Abraham Lincoln asked for volunteers. Isaac Catlin quickly gathered a group of soldiers. He was made their captain. This group was one of the first to join the Union Army. They became part of the 3rd New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
Captain Catlin fought in the Battle of Big Bethel in 1861. His commander said he was a very brave officer. After this battle, his unit was stationed at Fort McHenry in Maryland.
Isaac Catlin left the 3rd New York Regiment in 1862. He rejoined the Army a few months later. This time, he joined the 109th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He started as a first lieutenant. But he was quickly promoted to lieutenant colonel.
On July 29, 1864, he became a full colonel. The very next day, he led the 109th New York in the Battle of the Crater. This battle took place in Petersburg, Virginia. During the fight, he was seriously wounded. But he refused to leave the battlefield. He kept leading his soldiers. Then, he was hit a second time. This second injury was very severe. It meant his right leg had to be removed.
For his incredible courage, he was honored. He received a special promotion to major general. Many years later, in 1899, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. The award said he made a heroic effort to rally his troops. Even after being wounded, he tried to return to his command. That's when he was wounded again.
Catlin left the volunteer army in 1865. He then joined the regular army as a captain. He retired from the military in 1870. He was promoted to brigadier general in 1904.
Legal and Political Career
After the war, Isaac Catlin went back to being a lawyer. He first worked in Owego. Then he moved to Brooklyn and started a law career there. In 1865, he was elected the district attorney for Tioga County.
In 1871, he started a law partnership in Brooklyn. His brother-in-law, Benjamin F. Tracy, was his partner. That same year, he became an Assistant Attorney. He worked as a criminal defense lawyer. He also served as a legal advisor for the Kings County Sheriff for nine years. In 1877, he was elected Kings County District Attorney. He was re-elected to this job in 1880.
Catlin was also active in politics. He was mostly a Republican. He ran for Mayor of the City of Brooklyn in 1885 but did not win. He was offered chances to run for other important jobs. These included a spot in Congress and for Lieutenant Governor of New York. But he turned them down.
When the Spanish–American War started in 1898, Catlin wanted to fight again. But he was too old to join the military. Instead, he visited Cuba and the Philippines. He wrote reports about what was happening there. His son, George de Grasse Catlin, served in the U.S. Army during this war. He became a captain.
In his later years, Catlin lived in both Brooklyn and Owego. In January 1916, he had a stroke. He died a week later, on January 19, at his home in Brooklyn. He was 80 years old. Isaac Catlin was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia.
