James M. Warner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Meech Warner
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| Born | January 29, 1836 Middlebury, Vermont |
| Died | March 16, 1897 (aged 61) New York City, New York |
| Place of burial |
Middlebury Cemetery, Middlebury, Vermont
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1860–1866 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 11th Vermont Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
James Meech Warner (January 29, 1836 – March 16, 1897) was an important military leader during the American Civil War. He became a brigadier general in the Union Army. After the war, he worked as a manufacturer in New England.
Contents
Early Life and Military Training
James Warner was born in Middlebury, Vermont. His parents were Joseph and Jane Anne Warner. He went to Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, New Hampshire. He finished there in 1854.
After that, he studied at Middlebury College for two years. On July 1, 1855, he was accepted into the United States Military Academy. This famous school trains future army officers. He graduated from West Point on July 1, 1860.
Starting His Army Career
After graduating, Warner became a 2nd Lieutenant in the 10th U.S. Infantry. In February 1861, he was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant again. He then moved to the 8th U.S. Infantry.
By May 1861, he was a 1st Lieutenant. He was sent to Fort Wise in the Colorado Territory. This was a time when tensions were rising between the North and South. Warner learned a lot about the country's politics while stationed there.
Civil War Service
When the American Civil War began, the State of Vermont asked for Warner's help. They wanted him to lead a volunteer regiment. He was appointed colonel on September 1, 1862. He was given command of the 11th Vermont Infantry. This unit was also known as the 1st Artillery, Vermont Volunteers.
Defending Washington, D.C.
From September 1862 to May 1864, Warner's regiment protected Washington, D.C.. They were part of the city's northern defenses. In May 1864, Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant needed more soldiers. He called for troops to join his Overland Campaign.
The 11th Vermont joined the Vermont Brigade. They first saw major fighting at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House. This was a very tough battle. On May 18, 1864, Warner was badly wounded. But he bravely stayed on the battlefield until the day ended. He then went home to recover from his injuries.
Returning to Command
Warner returned to duty on July 8, 1864. He was assigned to command a brigade in the defenses of Washington. Later that month, he went back to his own regiment. In September 1864, he was given command of the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, VI Corps. He led this brigade until May 1865.
Promotions and Recognition
On January 31, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln honored Warner. He nominated him to become a brevet brigadier general. This rank was given for his "gallant and meritorious service." He earned this honor for his actions at Spotsylvania Court House. He was also recognized for his bravery at the battles of Winchester, Fisher's Hill, and Cedar Creek. The United States Senate approved this promotion on February 14, 1865.
Warner received several other special promotions. These were for his brave service throughout the war. On May 8, 1865, he was officially appointed brigadier general of volunteers. He left volunteer service on January 1, 1866. He resigned from the regular army on February 13, 1866.
Life After the War
After the Civil War, James Warner moved to Albany, New York. He started a new career in manufacturing. He became the president of the Albany Card and Paper Company. This company made paper products.
On December 19, 1889, President Benjamin Harrison appointed him postmaster of Albany. This was an important job in the city.
James Warner passed away on March 16, 1897, in New York City. His body was brought back to Middlebury, Vermont, where he was buried.
In June 1863, while he was stationed near Washington, James Warner married Matilda Elizabeth Allen. She was the daughter of George Allen and Sophia Sargent.
