James Madison DeWolf facts for kids
Dr. James Madison DeWolf (born January 14, 1843 – died June 25, 1876) was a brave doctor who served in the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment. He is known for his role and death during the famous Battle of the Little Bighorn.
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Early Life and Army Days
James DeWolf was born in a place called Mehoopany in Wyoming County, Pennsylvania. Before the American Civil War started, he worked as a farmer.
When he was just 17 years old, in August 1861, James joined the Union Army. He became part of the 1st Pennsylvania Artillery. His first experience in a battle was at the First Battle of Bull Run.
He was promoted to Corporal, which is a junior leader rank. However, he was badly hurt in his arm and had to leave the army in October 1862. He joined the army again in September 1864 and served until June 1865.
Becoming a Doctor
After the Civil War ended, James DeWolf decided to become a doctor. He joined the Regular Army's 14th U.S. Infantry as an enlisted soldier. At the same time, he studied at Harvard Medical School. He worked very hard and graduated in June 1875.
Later that year, he became a contract surgeon with the 7th Cavalry. This group was stationed at Fort Abraham Lincoln in the Dakota Territory.
Service with the 7th Cavalry
In the spring of 1876, Dr. DeWolf was assigned to Major Marcus Reno's battalion. He wrote a letter to his wife, which is the only known personal story about Major Reno's scouting trip.
The Battle of the Little Bighorn
During the Battle of the Little Bighorn, Dr. DeWolf was killed on June 25, 1876. This happened while Major Reno's group was trying to retreat from a wooded area to a place known as "Reno Hill."
Dr. DeWolf and his assistant were crossing a difficult part of the river. For some reason, they went up a small path in a coulee, which is a small valley. As Dr. DeWolf reached the top, he was shot from his horse. He did not survive.
Burial and Legacy
Dr. DeWolf was first buried on the battlefield where he fell. Later, his remains were moved to the National Cemetery. Because he was an officer, his body was later returned to his family in 1877. He was then buried again in Woodlawn Cemetery in Norwalk, Ohio.
The author Evan S. Connell, in his book Son of the Morning Star, mentioned that only one photograph of Dr. DeWolf is known to exist.
