James W. Forsyth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James William Forsyth
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| Born | August 8, 1834 Maumee, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | October 24, 1906 (aged 72) Columbus, Ohio, U.S. |
| Buried |
Green Lawn Cemetery, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
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| Allegiance | United States (Union) |
| Service/ |
United States Army (Union Army) |
| Years of service | 1856–1897 |
| Rank | Major general |
| Commands held | 7th U.S. Cavalry Department of California |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War Indian Wars |
James William Forsyth (born August 8, 1834 – died October 24, 1906) was an important officer and general in the U.S. Army. He played a key role during the American Civil War as a staff officer for the Union Army. Later, he commanded cavalry regiments during the Indian Wars. Forsyth is also known for leading the 7th Cavalry at the Wounded Knee Massacre on December 29, 1890, a tragic event where many Lakota people lost their lives.
Contents
Early Life and Military Start
James Forsyth was born in Maumee, Ohio. He went to school there when he was young. Later, he attended West Point, which is a famous military academy, from 1851 to 1856. After graduating, he became a second lieutenant in the 9th U.S. Infantry.
He helped build a frontier fort on San Juan Island. He even took charge of his company when his captain, George E. Pickett, was away. In 1861, Forsyth was promoted to first lieutenant. He then moved back East to join the Union forces as the Civil War began.
Military Career
Serving in the Civil War
In November 1861, Forsyth joined the Union Army as a Colonel. He led the 64th Ohio Infantry for a short time. He was supposed to help Major General Ulysses S. Grant at the Battle of Shiloh, but his regular commander returned just before the fight.
In 1862, Forsyth moved to the Army of the Potomac. He worked as an assistant inspector general during the Peninsular Campaign. He also served as an aide to Major General Joseph K. Mansfield until Mansfield died at the Battle of Antietam. Forsyth then became a provost marshal for the Army of the Potomac at the Battle of Fredericksburg.
Later, in 1863, Forsyth went back to the Western Theater. He became an adjutant to General Philip Sheridan at the Battle of Chickamauga. For his service there, he was promoted to Major in the Regular Army. When Sheridan moved to lead the Cavalry Corps, Forsyth went with him as his chief of staff.
He continued to serve as chief of staff during important campaigns. These included the Overland Campaign and the Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1864. He also helped lead the Union Cavalries during the Appomattox Campaign. He received several special promotions for his brave actions in these battles.
After the war, President Andrew Johnson promoted Forsyth to Brigadier General of Volunteers. He was also nominated for a brevet Brigadier General in the regular army. Forsyth worked closely with other famous commanders like Wesley Merritt, Thomas Devin, and George Armstrong Custer. These men later became known for their roles in the Indian Wars.
Promotions During the Civil War
- 1st Lieutenant, 9th Infantry (Regular Army) - March 15, 1861
- Captain, 18th Infantry (Regular Army) - October 24, 1861
- Major (Volunteers) - April 7, 1864
- Lieutenant Colonel (Volunteers) - April 19, 1864
- Brevet Major (for Chickamauga, Georgia) - September 20, 1863
- Brevet Lieutenant Colonel (for Cedar Creek, Virginia) - October 19, 1864
- Brevet Colonel (for Five Forks, Virginia) - April 1, 1865
- Brevet Brigadier General of Volunteers (for Valley Campaign actions) - May 9, 1865
- Brevet Brigadier General (for Five Forks action) - April 9, 1865
Leading in the Indian Wars
After the Civil War ended, Forsyth stayed in the Regular Army. He commanded a cavalry brigade for two years. He was a strong supporter of African American soldiers, often called buffalo soldiers. In 1867, he joined General Sheridan again. He moved with Sheridan when he became commander of the Department of the Missouri.
Forsyth served as the department's secretary and then as an inspector. He took part in military actions against Native American tribes like the Comanche, Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Kiowa in 1868–69. In 1870, Forsyth traveled to Europe to observe the Franco-Prussian War.
In 1878, Forsyth led the 1st U.S. Cavalry during the Bannock War, where he had great success. By 1885, he was in command of Fort Maginnis, Montana. Here, the army watched over the Crow, Cree, and Gros Ventres (Atsina) Native American groups.
On July 11, 1886, Forsyth was promoted to Colonel of the 7th U.S. Cavalry. He took command on July 26, 1886, at Fort Meade, South Dakota. He later moved the regiment to Fort Riley, Kansas, where he helped create a training system for light artillery and cavalry.
Forsyth was in command of the 7th Cavalry during the Wounded Knee Massacre on December 29, 1890. This was a very sad and difficult event. He was also present at the Drexel Mission Fight the next day.
In November 1894, Forsyth was promoted to brigadier general. He became the commander of the Department of California. On May 11, 1897, he was promoted to major general. Just three days later, Forsyth retired from the Army.
Forsyth married the daughter of Ohio Governor William Dennison. They had four children together. He passed away on October 24, 1906, in Columbus, Ohio. He is buried in Green Lawn Cemetery.
Promotions After the Civil War
(All in the Regular Army)
- Major, 10th Cavalry - July 28, 1866
- Lieutenant Colonel, 1st Cavalry - April 4, 1878
- Colonel, 7th Cavalry - June 11, 1886
- Brigadier General (Dept of California) - November 9, 1894
- Major General - May 11, 1897
Memorials
- The town of Forsyth, Montana is named in his honor.
- Camp Forsyth at Fort Riley, Kansas, is also named after him.
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