James Gwyn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Gwyn
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| Born | November 24, 1828 Derry, Ireland |
| Died | July 17, 1906 (aged 77) Yonkers, New York |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | April 21, 1861 – June 5, 1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General Brevet Major General |
| Commands held | 118th Pennsylvania Regiment 3rd Brigade, Second Division, V Corps, Army of the Shenandoah |
| Battles/wars | |
| Spouse(s) | Margaretta E. Gwyn |
| Signature |  |
James Gwyn (born November 24, 1828 – died July 17, 1906) was an important officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was born in Ireland and moved to the United States in 1846. He first worked in stores in Philadelphia and New York City.
When the war started in 1861, he joined the army as a captain. He later took charge of the 118th Pennsylvania Regiment. Gwyn led his regiment through many major battles, including Seven Pines, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, and the final Appomattox Court House. He was wounded in 1864 but returned to lead different brigades. For his brave service, he was promoted to brevet brigadier general by President Abraham Lincoln and then to major general by President Andrew Johnson. His soldiers admired him as a "bold and aggressive leader." After the war, Gwyn went back to his business life in Philadelphia and later in New York.
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Early Life and Moving to America
James Gwyn was born in Derry, Ireland, on November 24, 1828. He grew up in a family of ten children. His brother, Hugh Garvin Gwyn, later fought on the other side, for the Confederate States Army.
Like many Irish people in the 1840s, James Gwyn left Ireland because of the Great Famine. This was a time when many people in Ireland faced hunger and hardship. He sailed on a ship called the John R. Skiddy from Liverpool to New York City. He arrived in America on November 4, 1846, just before his 18th birthday.
Many immigrants from Derry, Ireland, like Gwyn, settled in Philadelphia. This was because people who had already moved to America often sent money back home to help their families come over.
In 1850, Gwyn lived in Philadelphia and got married to Margaretta E. Young. He worked as a clerk and later started his own business selling dried goods with a partner. In 1858, his first daughter, Elizabeth, was born, followed by his second daughter, Matilda, in 1861.
Military Service in the Civil War
Joining the 23rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry
James Gwyn joined the Union Army on April 21, 1861, just one week after the Civil War began. He started as a captain in the 23rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He fought with this group for over a year. One of his first major battles was the Battle of Seven Pines in May 1862. Gwyn left the 23rd Volunteers in July 1862 when he was promoted to lieutenant colonel in a new regiment.
Leading the 118th Pennsylvania Infantry
Gwyn joined the 118th Pennsylvania Infantry on July 25, 1862. This regiment was known as the "Corn Regiment" because money to form it came from the Corn Exchange Association of Philadelphia. They quickly gathered over 1,200 volunteers and headed to Washington, D.C. The regiment became part of the Fifth Army Corps.
The 118th Regiment marched into Maryland and was involved in the Battle of Antietam. This battle was one of the bloodiest days in American history. The 118th helped with artillery supplies, but they were not on the front lines.
Three days later, the 118th fought in the Battle of Shepherdstown. This was a very tough battle, and the regiment suffered many losses. Their colonel was wounded, so Gwyn, as the second-in-command, took over. His bravery during this battle was highly praised by his commanders.
In December 1862, the 118th Regiment returned to battle at Fredericksburg. Gwyn led his men, and even though they faced tough situations, he kept them focused. After a difficult winter, the regiment began moving north in June 1863.
The Battle of Gettysburg
These travels led the Fifth Army Corps to Pennsylvania to help the Union Army at the Battle of Gettysburg. On July 2, 1863, Gwyn, still leading the 118th Regiment, was ordered to hold a position on Cemetery Hill. Later that day, they were sent to help other Union forces. On July 3, the regiment moved to Little Round Top, a very important hill, and held their position for two days. The Union forces won this costly victory.
After Gettysburg, Gwyn was officially promoted to colonel and became the commanding officer of the 118th Regiment in September 1863.
Colonel and Brevet Brigadier General
In May 1864, during the Battle of the Wilderness, Gwyn was shot in the thigh. This injury kept him out of action for about a month. Because of his actions at Wilderness, he was promoted to colonel. While he recovered, he missed several other battles.
Gwyn returned to duty and led the 118th during the Siege of Petersburg and the Richmond campaign, which lasted from June 1864 to March 1865. He also took command of the Third Brigade. In August 1864, he led his brigade to the Weldon Railroad.
During the Battle of Peebles's Farm in September 1864, Gwyn's leg was badly hurt when his horse fell on him. Even with this injury, he continued to serve. His bravery during the Siege of Petersburg was noticed by General Charles Griffin. General Griffin recommended Gwyn for a promotion.
On October 14, 1864, President Abraham Lincoln approved Gwyn's promotion to brevet brigadier general. This meant he had the rank of a brigadier general for his brave service, even though his official pay rank was still colonel. His soldiers were very proud of his promotion.
Gwyn continued to lead his troops, even taking command of the Second Division for a short time. He showed strong leadership during the Battle of Globe Tavern and the Battle of Hatcher's Run.
End of the Civil War
As the war neared its end, Gwyn led the Third Brigade in the Battle of White Oak Road and then the Battle of Five Forks in April 1865. A charge led by Gwyn helped capture important positions and many enemy soldiers. For his efforts at Five Forks, President Andrew Johnson later promoted him to brevet major general.
Gwyn and the 118th Regiment continued to push the Confederate troops during the Battle of Appomattox Court House. This was one of the last major battles of the Civil War. On April 9, 1865, General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant, officially ending the war. The 118th Regiment was there to witness this historic moment.
After the war ended, Gwyn led the Third Brigade to Washington, D.C. for the Grand Review of the Armies in May 1865. This was a huge parade to celebrate the Union victory. On June 5, 1865, the 118th Regiment was officially released from service. Gwyn was offered a position in the regular army, but he chose to return to his civilian life.
Life After the War
After the Civil War, James Gwyn went back to his family and his business life. He returned home to his wife, Margaret, and his two daughters, Elizabeth and Matilda. He applied for his military pension in 1866.
In 1869, his third daughter, Margaret, was born. Gwyn and his family later moved from Philadelphia to New York City. He went back to working in business, first with a company called Stuart Bros, and later as a clerk. His daughters grew up and got married, moving to Yonkers, New York.
Death
James Gwyn passed away on July 17, 1906, while visiting his daughter Margaret in Yonkers, New York. News of his death was reported in newspapers across the country. His body was brought back to Philadelphia, where he was buried with military honors in the Woodlands Cemetery on July 19, 1906. He was buried in a plot he had bought over fifty years earlier.
Images for kids
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Imperial Hotel Belfast, 1885
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A drawing of the Battle of Seven Pines from Harper's Magazine, 1862.
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An illustration of James Gwyn from the "History of the Corn Exchange Regiment".
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A drawing of the Battle of the Wilderness where Gwyn was wounded.
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A drawing of the 118th Regiment during the charge for Fort McRae and capture of Pegram's Farm.
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General Charles Griffin who recommended Gwyn for promotion.
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The 118th Regiment at Camp Union in August 1862.
