James M. Tuttle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Madison Tuttle
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Gen. James M. Tuttle
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| Born | September 24, 1823 Summerfield, Ohio |
| Died | October 24, 1892 (aged 69) Casa Grande, Arizona |
| Place of burial |
Woodland Cemetery, Des Moines, Iowa
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1864 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Unit | Army of the Tennessee |
| Commands held | 3rd Division, XV Corps 1st Division, XVI Corps |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | businessman, Iowa state representative |
James Madison Tuttle (born September 24, 1823 – died October 24, 1892) was an important soldier, businessman, and politician from Iowa. He became a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He led large groups of soldiers, called a brigade and later a division, in the Army of the Tennessee. He fought in many battles in the western part of the war. In 1862, he led the first Union soldiers into Fort Donelson, which helped the fort surrender to General Ulysses S. Grant. This victory was very important because it opened up the Cumberland River for the Union to move further into the Southern states.
Early Life and First Jobs
James M. Tuttle was born in 1823 near Summerfield, Ohio. His family moved to Indiana when he was ten years old. His father was a farmer who kept moving west. Young James went to local schools in Ohio and Indiana.
In 1846, when he was 23, Tuttle moved to Farmington, Iowa. There, he worked in farming and business. He married Elizabeth Conner in 1847, but she sadly passed away four years later. In 1853, he married Laura M. Meek, and they had five children together.
Tuttle also became involved in local politics. He was a member of the Democratic Party. In 1855, he was elected as the sheriff of Van Buren County, Iowa. He served for two years. Later, he was elected as the County Treasurer and Recorder, holding that job for two terms.
Fighting in the Civil War
When the Civil War began in April 1861, James Tuttle quickly gathered a group of volunteers. He was chosen as their captain. His company joined the 2nd Iowa Infantry, which was the first Iowa regiment to sign up for three years. Tuttle was soon promoted to lieutenant colonel and then to colonel in September 1861.
At the Battle of Fort Donelson in February 1862, Tuttle led his regiment in a brave attack. His soldiers were the first Union troops to put their flag inside the Confederate fort. Even though he was slightly hurt, Tuttle kept leading his men.
In April, at the Battle of Shiloh, Tuttle commanded a brigade made up of several Iowa infantry regiments. When his commanding general was badly wounded, Tuttle temporarily took charge of the entire division. He led his troops in fierce fighting and narrowly avoided being captured. Because of his bravery at Fort Donelson and Shiloh, he was promoted to brigadier general in June 1862.
Later in 1862, General Tuttle was in charge of the Union base at Cairo, Illinois, which was an important supply town. In 1863, he was given command of a division in General William T. Sherman's XV Corps. He took part in the important Vicksburg Campaign and the capture of Jackson, Mississippi.
During this time, Tuttle decided to run for Governor of Iowa as a Democrat. However, he lost the election to Republican William M. Stone.
In September 1864, General Tuttle decided to leave the army and return to his life in Iowa.
Life After the War
After the Civil War, James Tuttle moved to Des Moines, Iowa. He became involved in many businesses, including mining in states like Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. He also owned a pork packing business with his brother, called Tuttle Brothers.
In 1866, he ran for the U.S. Congress as a Democrat but was not elected. In 1871, he was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives and served one term. He also became the state leader for the Grand Army of the Republic, which was a group for Civil War veterans.
In 1883, Tuttle changed political parties and became a Republican. He was easily elected to the Iowa Legislature again. Three years later, he became the president of the board for the Iowa Soldiers Home, which helped veterans.
