Jackson Sargent facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jackson Sargent
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| Birth name | Jackson George Sargent |
| Born | December 29, 1842 Stowe, Vermont |
| Died | October 2, 1921 (aged 78) Stowe, Vermont |
| Place of burial |
Riverbank Cemetery, Stowe, Vermont
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| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
 United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Rank |  First lieutenant |
| Unit |  Company K, 5th Vermont Infantry |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
Jackson George Sargent (born December 29, 1842 – died October 2, 1921) was a brave American soldier. He served as a color-sergeant in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was part of Company K in the 5th Vermont Infantry. Sargent earned the U.S. Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery in combat. He received it for an amazing act on April 2, 1865. He planted the American flag on a Confederate fort in Petersburg, Virginia.
Early Life in Vermont
Jackson George Sargent was born on December 29, 1842. His hometown was Stowe, Vermont. His parents were Jeremiah Sargent and Sophronia P. (Robinson) Sargent.
He grew up and went to school in Stowe. He lived there with his parents and his siblings. His brothers and sister were Henry H., Hannah, and Charles Taylor Sargent.
Serving in the Civil War
Sargent joined the army in August 1861. He started as a private in Company D of the 5th Vermont Infantry. This was in his hometown of Stowe, Vermont. In May 1865, he became a first lieutenant in Company K of the same regiment.
He fought in many important battles during the war. These included defending Washington, D.C., and the Siege of Yorktown (1862). He also fought in the Battle of Williamsburg and the Battle of Savage's Station. Other battles were the Battle of Antietam and the Battle of Fredericksburg. He also took part in the Battle of Gettysburg and the Battle of the Wilderness.
Medal of Honor Hero
Jackson Sargent received the Medal of Honor for his courage. This special award was given to him in October 1891. His brave act happened on April 2, 1865.
During a battle at Petersburg, Virginia, he showed great bravery. He climbed up a Confederate fort. Then, he placed the American flag on top of it. This was a very dangerous and heroic deed.
Life After the War
After the war, Sargent returned to Vermont. He married Caroline M. (Harlow) Sargent around 1867. They had a son named Fred, born in 1868.
In 1870, they were living in Stowe. By 1880, Sargent was a farmer in Hyde Park, Vermont. He lived there with Caroline and their three children. Their other children were Howard and Walter Merrill.
Caroline passed away in 1895. His son, Fred, also died in 1898. Sargent later married Clara H. (Douglass) Sargent. She was from New York.
In 1910, Sargent was still farming in Stowe. He and Clara lived there together. By 1920, he was still dairy farming. He lived alone with his housekeeper, Martha Warner.
Sargent was also an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic. This was a group for Civil War veterans.
Jackson Sargent passed away on October 2, 1921. He died at his home in Stowe. He was buried with military honors at Riverbank Cemetery. Both of his wives were also buried there.
