James Edward Carpenter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Edward Carpenter
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| Born | March 6, 1841 Chesterfield, Kent County, Maryland |
| Died | August 16, 1901 (aged 60) Newburyport, Massachusetts |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army& Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1864 |
| Rank |  Major of volunteers |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War *Battle of Gettysburg *Battle of Chancellorsville |
| Relations | General Louis H. Carpenter, brother |
| Other work | attorney at law |
James Edward Carpenter (born March 6, 1841 – died August 16, 1901) was an American soldier and lawyer. He fought bravely in the American Civil War for the Union Army. He started as a private and rose to the rank of major because of his courage. After the war, he became a respected lawyer in Philadelphia.
Contents
Early Life and Family Moves
James Carpenter was born in Chesterfield, Kent County, Maryland. He was the second of eight children. His parents were Edward Carpenter 2nd and Anna Maria (Mary) Howey. In 1843, when James was young, his family moved to Philadelphia. There, they attended Trinity Episcopal Church.
Serving in the Civil War
In 1861, James Carpenter joined the Union Army as a private. He was part of the Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry. By 1862, he became a second lieutenant.
Wounded in Battle
In September 1862, James was seriously wounded. This happened during a fight near Philomont, Virginia. It was at the end of the Battle of Antietam.
Brave Charge at Chancellorsville
On May 2, 1863, James Carpenter showed great bravery at the Battle of Chancellorsville. He was part of a daring charge by the Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry. They tried to stop a surprise attack by Confederate General Jackson's troops. James's horse was shot, but he survived. Only two out of five officers leading the charge made it through. This brave action helped slow down the Confederate attack.
Working with General Gregg
In June 1863, James was chosen to work for Brigadier General David McMurtrie Gregg. General Gregg was put in charge of the Second Cavalry Division. For the next year and a half, James did excellent work. He helped keep things organized and well-documented for the division.
Life After the War
In early 1865, James Carpenter was honorably discharged from the army. He returned to Philadelphia and continued his law studies.
Becoming a Lawyer
In October 1865, James passed his exams and became a lawyer in Philadelphia. He also helped create the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States in Philadelphia. This group was for officers who had served in the Union Army.
James Carpenter's Family
On October 17, 1867, James married Harriet Odin Dorr in Philadelphia. Harriet's father, Reverend Benjamin Dorr, performed the wedding. James and Harriet had five children:
- Edward Carpenter IV, born in 1872. He served in the military during the Spanish–American War. He became an officer in the U.S. Army and later a major.
- Helen Dalton Carpenter, born in 1874. She later married Frederick Strong Mosley.
- Grace Carpenter, born in 1876. She sadly passed away as a baby in 1877.
- William Dorr Carpenter, born in 1879.
- Lloyd Preston Carpenter, born in 1884.
Community and Club Involvement
James Carpenter was very active in his community.
Historical Society and Church Work
He was elected Treasurer of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Later, he became its vice president. In 1877, he became a leader at Christ Church. He also helped manage Christ Church Hospital. He was a delegate for the Episcopal Church.
Rittenhouse Club
James was a governor at the Rittenhouse Club. This was a well-known club in Philadelphia. He helped the club get its new home in Rittenhouse Square.
Sons of the Revolution
In 1888, James was a founder and chairman of the Pennsylvania Society Sons of the Revolution. This group honored those who fought in the American Revolution.
Family History Project
James also helped his brother, Brigadier General Louis H. Carpenter, update their family history. This important book was published after James's death.
James Edward Carpenter passed away suddenly on August 16, 1901. He was visiting his daughter Helen in Newburyport at the time.
