James Isham Gilbert facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Isham Gilbert
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James I. Gilbert
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| Born | July 16, 1823 Louisville, Kentucky |
| Died | February 9, 1884 (aged 60) Topeka, Kansas |
| Place of burial |
Aspen Grove Cemetery, Burlington, Iowa
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1862–1865 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General Bvt. Major General |
| Commands held | 27th Iowa Infantry Regiment 2nd Bde, 2nd Div, XVI Corps |
| Battles/wars | Civil War |
| Other work | lumberman, businessman, miner |
James Isham Gilbert (1823-1884) was a Union general during the American Civil War. He was an important leader in the Union Army, serving as a commander of both regiments and brigades. He fought bravely in the western parts of the war.
Contents
The Life of James I. Gilbert
Early Years and Moving West
James Gilbert was born in Louisville, Kentucky on July 16, 1823. As a young man, he moved around quite a bit. He lived in Illinois and then Wisconsin. During this time, he worked as a lumberman, trading wood, and also as an Indian trader. He even ran a livery stable, which was a place where horses were kept and rented out.
In 1851, James Gilbert finally settled in Iowa. He helped to start the town of Lansing. He built a life there before the war began.
Joining the Civil War
James Gilbert joined the volunteer army later than many other soldiers. He signed up in October 1862. Even so, he quickly became a colonel, which is a high-ranking officer. He was put in charge of the 27th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment on October 3, 1862.
His regiment took part in an expedition led by Frederick Steele to Little Rock, Arkansas. They were not involved in any major battles during this time. After that, Gilbert's regiment was stationed in Arkansas. Later, they moved to Mississippi. There, his regiment joined a larger group of soldiers called the XVI Corps. They were part of the Meridian expedition.
Fighting in Key Campaigns
Gilbert and a part of the XVI Corps were sent to the Department of the Gulf. This was for the Red River Campaign. During this campaign, Gilbert showed great skill as a leader. His brigade commander, Colonel William T. Shaw, praised him for his actions. This was especially true at the battles of Fort De Russy and Pleasant Hill. At the Battle of Pleasant Hill, Gilbert was hurt in his right hand.
In June 1864, Gilbert took command of the 2nd Brigade. This group was part of the 3rd Division of the XVI Corps. He led this brigade at the battle of Tupelo. He briefly stepped down from command in September. However, he returned to lead his brigade again. They then helped chase after a Confederate general named Sterling Price through Missouri.
Major Battles and Promotions
On December 5, 1864, Gilbert was given command of the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division. This group was part of the Army of the Tennessee. They fought in the important battle of Nashville. Here, Gilbert's brigade played a key role. They took part in a major attack on a place called Shy's Hill on the second day of the battle.
Because of his excellent service, James Gilbert was promoted. On February 9, 1865, he became a brigadier general. This is a very high rank in the army. His corps was then officially renamed the XVI Corps. They were sent to join Edward Canby's Army of West Mississippi near Mobile, Alabama. Gilbert continued to lead his brigade. He fought in the battle of Fort Blakely. For his service in the Mobile campaign, he received another special promotion. He was made a brevet major general. This means he was given the rank as an honor for his bravery and leadership. He left the volunteer army on August 24, 1865.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, General Gilbert went back to Iowa. He continued his work as a lumberman. For a while, he moved to Colorado and worked as a miner. Later, he moved to Kansas. There, he became the president of a company called the Topeka Coal Economizing Company.
General James Gilbert passed away on February 9, 1884, in Topeka, Kansas.
