James Barnet Fry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Barnet Fry
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James Barnet Fry
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| Born | February 22, 1827 Carrollton, Illinois |
| Died | July 11, 1894 (aged 67) Newport, Rhode Island |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1847–1881 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General Brevet Major General |
| Commands held | Provost Marshal General |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War American Civil War |
| Alma mater | United States Military Academy Class of 1847 |
| Other work | author |
James Barnet Fry (born February 22, 1827 – died July 11, 1894) was an American soldier who also wrote many history books. He served in the Mexican–American War and was an important officer during the American Civil War. Later in his life, he became a well-known author.
Contents
James Fry's Early Life and Military Training
James Barnet Fry was born in Carrollton, Illinois, on February 22, 1827. His parents were General Jacob G. Fry and Emily Turney. James was their first child.
When he was 16, James entered the United States Military Academy in July 1843. He graduated four years later, in July 1847. After graduating, he briefly taught artillery at West Point.
Serving in the Mexican-American War
In the fall of 1847, James Fry went to Mexico. He was a 2nd lieutenant in the 1st Artillery. He served under General Scott during the Mexican–American War. He was part of the soldiers stationed in Mexico City.
After the war, in 1848, he was sent to Fort Columbus in New York Harbor. In 1849, he moved to Fort Vancouver in Washington. He was then transferred to Astoria, Oregon, in 1850. On February 22, 1851, he was promoted to 1st lieutenant.
Returning to West Point and Other Duties
From 1851 to 1853, Fry had several assignments along the Gulf Coast. He was then reassigned to West Point. He worked as an assistant artillery instructor from December 1853. In August 1854, he became the adjutant of the Academy. He held this important role until August 1859.
From 1859 to 1860, Fry was stationed at Fort Monroe, Virginia. He also took part in the Harper's Ferry Expedition in October 1859. This mission helped stop John Brown's Raid. He then served at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. In early 1861, he commanded an artillery battery in Washington, D.C..
James Fry's Role in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, James Fry played a key role. In July 1861, he became chief of staff for Brigadier General Irvin McDowell. He served in this role during the First Battle of Bull Run. On August 3, 1861, he was promoted to captain.
Serving with General Buell
On November 15, 1861, Fry was assigned as chief of staff to Major General Don Carlos Buell. General Buell commanded the Department of the Ohio and later the Army of the Ohio. In this position, Fry was involved in important battles. He participated in the Battle of Shiloh and the Siege of Corinth in April and May 1862.
Fry was promoted to major on April 22, 1862. He became a lieutenant colonel on December 31 of the same year. On October 8, 1862, Fry also took part in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky.
Becoming Provost Marshal General
From November 1862, Fry worked in the Adjutant-General's Office in Washington, D.C. He was then appointed provost marshal general of the United States Army. This was a very important job. He was in charge of finding soldiers who had left the army without permission. He also made sure military laws were followed. Additionally, he oversaw the Invalid Corps, which was made up of soldiers who could not fight on the front lines.
He was appointed to this position with the rank of colonel on March 17, 1863. He was promoted to brigadier general on April 21, 1864. Fry served as provost marshal general until the office was closed on August 27, 1866.
On March 15, 1865, Fry received an honorary promotion. He was made a brevet major general in the Regular Army. This was to recognize his excellent service. It honored his work at the First Battle of Bull Run, the Battle of Shiloh, and his faithful service as Provost Marshal General during the war.
James Fry's Later Career and Writings
After the position of Provost Marshal General was ended, Fry returned to his permanent rank of lieutenant colonel. He served as adjutant general for different army divisions. These included the Division of the Pacific (1866-1869), the Division of the South (1869-1871), and the Division of the Missouri (1871-1873). He also served with the Division of the Atlantic from 1873 to 1881.
On March 3, 1875, Fry was promoted to the rank of colonel. He served as adjutant general of the Department of the East from January 1878. He retired from the Army on July 1, 1881.
Becoming a Military Historian
After retiring from the military, James Fry spent his time writing. He became a prolific author of military history books. In 1885, he wrote Killed by a Brother Soldier. This book described a tragic event where Major General William "Bull" Nelson died during a dispute with Brigadier General Jefferson C. Davis.
Fry also joined several important organizations. In 1883, he became a member of the Aztec Club of 1847. In 1890, he was elected as a Veteran Companion of the New York Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.
General Fry was the uncle of Captain Alfred Brooks Fry, who was an engineer and naval officer. General Fry passed away in Newport, Rhode Island. He was buried at the Church of St. James the Less in Philadelphia.
Published Works
James Barnet Fry wrote several important books about military history:
- Final Report of the Operations of the Bureau of the Provost-Marshal-General in 1863-1866 (1866)
- A Sketch of the Adjutant-General's Department, United States Army, from 1775 to 1875 (1875)
- History and Legal Effects of Brevets in the Armies of Great Britain and the United States, from their Origin in 1692 to the Present Time (1877)
- Army Sacrifices (1879)
- Operations of the Army under Buell (1884)
- McDowell and Tyler in the Campaign of Bull Run (1884)
- New York and Conscription (1885)
- Military Miscellanies (1893)
- The Conkling and Blaine-Fry Controversy (1893)
See also
- List of American Civil War generals (Union)
