James Calhoun (soldier) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James Calhoun
James Calhoun
Born	(1845-08-24)August 24, 1845 Cincinnati, Ohio
Died	June 25, 1876(1876-06-25) (aged 30) Little Bighorn, Montana
Buried	Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery
Allegiance	United States of America Union
Service/branch	United States Army Union Army
Years of service	1864–1876
Rank	First Lieutenant
Unit	7th U.S. Cavalry
Battles/wars	Great Sioux War of 1876 Battle of the Little Bighorn  †
Relations	George A. Custer, brother-in-law Thomas Custer, brother-in-law Boston Custer, brother-in-law

James Calhoun (born August 24, 1845 – died June 25, 1876) was a soldier in the United States Army. He served during the American Civil War and later in the Black Hills War. He was the brother-in-law of famous General George Armstrong Custer. James Calhoun was killed along with Custer at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. His other brother-in-law, Myles Moylan, survived the battle.

Early Life and Joining the Army

James Calhoun was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. He came from a well-known Scottish-American family. When the American Civil War started, he was traveling in Europe. Two years later, in 1864, he returned to the United States and joined the Union Army. He and his brother Frederick chose a military life over their family's merchant business.

Military Career

James Calhoun started his army career as a regular soldier. By the end of the Civil War, he had become a Sergeant.

In 1867, he became an officer, a second lieutenant in the infantry. In 1870, he met Margaret Custer, who was visiting her family. They fell in love. Margaret's brother, George Armstrong Custer, helped James get a promotion. James became a first lieutenant in the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment. He was assigned to Company C.

Personal Life

James Calhoun was known as "The Adonis of the Seventh" because he was considered very handsome. He was part of a group called the "Custer Clan." This was a close group of General Custer's family and friends. James was also the brother-in-law of Myles Moylan, another member of the Clan. James often wrote letters to his brother and to Margaret, who he called Maggie.

His Final Battle

In 1876, James Calhoun was fighting in the Black Hills War in Montana Territory. He was temporarily leading L Company during the Battle of the Little Bighorn. James Calhoun and most of his company were killed in this battle.

Evidence found at the hill where he died, now known as Calhoun Hill, showed that he and his men fought very bravely. He and his second-in-command, Lt. John Crittenden, were found close to each other. Their men had formed a defensive circle on the hill.

James Calhoun was first buried on the battlefield. Later, in 1877, his remains were moved to Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. A marble marker on the Little Bighorn battlefield shows where his body was first found and buried.