James G. Grindlay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Glas Grindlay
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James Grindlay
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| Born | February 14, 1840 Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Died | October 19, 1907 (aged 67) Troy, New York, U.S. |
| Place of burial |
Forest Hill Cemetery
Utica, New York, U.S. |
| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1862 - 1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Commands held |  146th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
| Relations | Grindlay family |
James Glas Grindlay (born February 14, 1840 – died October 19, 1907) was a brave officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for military bravery in the United States. He earned this award for his actions at the Battle of Five Forks. Grindlay led the 146th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment for the last year of the war. He even took command of a larger group (a brigade) twice when his leaders were hurt. He was also given the honorary rank of Brevet Brigadier General right before the war ended.
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Early Life and Work
James Grindlay was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. When he was young, he moved to the United States. He learned skills like being a clerk and an accountant. He also worked as an insurance agent. Before joining the Army, he was a bookkeeper for a company that made leather in Boonville, New York.
Grindlay's Civil War Service
Joining the Union Army
Grindlay joined the Union Army on September 8, 1862. He signed up for three years of service. He became a captain in Company D of the 146th New York Infantry.
Leading the Regiment
In May and June 1864, Grindlay's regiment joined General Ulysses S. Grant's Overland Campaign in Virginia. During the Battle of the Wilderness in early May, the 146th suffered many losses. Both the main commander and the second-in-command were killed. This meant Grindlay, as the most senior officer, took charge of the regiment.
He led his men through the next battle, the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House. Grindlay was then promoted to major. He continued to lead the 146th through battles like North Anna, Totopotomoy Creek, and Cold Harbor.
Siege of Petersburg and Promotions
During the Siege of Petersburg, Grindlay again led his regiment through many battles. These included the Second Battle of Petersburg in June 1864 and the Battle of Globe Tavern in August.
At the Battle of Peebles's Farm in October, the commander of their brigade was badly wounded. Grindlay stepped up and took over command of the 1st Brigade. He led the brigade for two days until a new commander arrived. He then returned to leading the 146th Regiment. He led his men through more battles, including the Battle of Boydton Plank Road in late October. After this, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel. He then led his troops at Hatcher's Run in early February 1865.
Final Battles and Medal of Honor
In the last weeks of the war, Grindlay was promoted to colonel. He also received honorary ranks (brevets) for his brave service. On March 13, 1865, he was given the brevet ranks of lieutenant colonel, colonel, and brigadier general. These were for his "gallant and meritorious services" at Spotsylvania and North Anna.
At the Battle of Five Forks on April 1, 1865, Grindlay's brigade attacked the Confederate defenses. The brigade commander was fatally wounded right after they broke through. For the second time, Grindlay took command of the 1st Brigade. Under his leadership, the brigade captured the Confederate defenses. They also took over a thousand prisoners and four battle flags. Two of these flags were captured by his own 146th New York Regiment.
Grindlay was brigade commander for only two days again. For his brave actions at Five Forks, he received the Medal of Honor many years later, on August 14, 1891. His award citation says he was "The first to enter the enemy's works, where he captured 2 flags."
Grindlay and the 146th New York Regiment finished their service on July 16, 1865, a few months after the war ended.
Life After the War
After the war, James Grindlay lived in Utica, New York. He was married twice. He was also a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States and president of the V Corps Veteran Association. In 1874 and 1875, he served as the U.S. consul in Kingston, Jamaica. From 1891 onwards, he worked at the New York State Comptroller's office in Albany, New York. James Grindlay died in Troy, New York, at age 67. He was buried at Forest Hill Cemetery in Utica.
See also
