Jacob Gartner Lauman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jacob Gartner Lauman
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Jacob Gartner Lauman
photo taken between 1861 and 1865 |
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| Born | January 20, 1813 Taneytown, Maryland |
| Died | February 9, 1867 (aged 54) Burlington, Iowa |
| Place of burial |
Aspen Grove Cemetery, Burlington, Iowa
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General Brevet Major General |
| Commands held | 7th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment 3rd Brigade, 4th Division, Army of the Tennessee 4th Division, XVI Corps |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | Businessman |
Jacob Gartner Lauman (born January 20, 1813 – died February 9, 1867) was an important businessman from Iowa. He also served as a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
He led an infantry group called a brigade in the Army of the Tennessee. He fought in several battles in the western part of the war. Later, he commanded a larger group called a division during the 1863 Vicksburg Campaign. After a battle near Jackson, Mississippi, he was sent home and did not lead troops again during the war.
Early Life and Business
Jacob Lauman was born in Taneytown, Maryland. He grew up in York, Pennsylvania, where he went to the York County Academy. In 1844, he moved to Burlington, Iowa. There, he became a very successful businessman, working in trade and sales.
Serving in the Civil War
When the Civil War began, Lauman worked hard to find volunteers for new army groups. On July 11, 1861, the Governor of Iowa, Samuel J. Kirkwood, made him a colonel. He was put in charge of the 7th Iowa Infantry.
Lauman first saw action in the western part of the war. He served under Major General Ulysses S. Grant in Missouri. During the Battle of Belmont on November 7, he was badly hurt in his left leg. His 7th Iowa regiment fought bravely in this battle. They lost more soldiers than any other group there, with over 400 killed, wounded, or missing.
Lauman returned to his regiment in time for the next big fight. He was then given command of a brigade. He led the 4th Brigade, 2nd Division, during General Grant's attack on Fort Donelson in Tennessee. His troops were among the first to attack and enter the Confederate defenses.
Because of his good service at Fort Donelson, he was promoted. He became a brigadier general in the Union Army on March 21, 1862. After this, Lauman led a brigade in Major General Stephen A. Hurlbut's division. They fought in the Battle of Shiloh on April 6–7, 1862.
Lauman also commanded his brigade in the Battle of Hatchie's Bridge. This battle happened on October 6, 1862, in rural Tennessee. Major General Edward Ord led a group of soldiers to try and stop Confederate Major General Earl Van Dorn's army.
In 1863, Lauman led the 4th Division of the XVI Corps. This was during the important Siege of Vicksburg. After the city of Jackson, Mississippi, was captured on July 16, 1863, Major General William Tecumseh Sherman removed Lauman from his command.
Lauman was accused of not following orders correctly. His superior, General Ord, said that Lauman's actions led to many soldiers being hurt. Lauman then went back to Iowa and waited for new orders. However, he did not receive any more commands for the rest of the war.
After the war, many soldiers received special promotions. Lauman was given a special "brevet" promotion to major general. This promotion was dated March 13, 1865. He officially left the volunteer army on August 24.
After the War
After the war, Lauman went back to his business work. However, he had health problems because of the wound he received at the Battle of Belmont. He tried to clear his name, saying that his actions were misunderstood.
Jacob Lauman passed away in Burlington, Iowa, in February 1867. He was buried in Aspen Grove Cemetery in Burlington.
In Memory
- A bronze statue of Jacob Gartner Lauman stands at the Vicksburg National Military Park. This park is in the city of Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Images for kids
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Bust of Lauman at Vicksburg National Military Park
