Joel Dewey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joel Allen Dewey
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Joel Allen Dewey
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| Born | September 20, 1840 Georgia, Vermont |
| Died | June 17, 1873 (aged 32) Knoxville, Tennessee |
| Place of burial |
Dandridge Revolutionary War Graveyard, Dandridge, Tennessee
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861 - 1866 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 111th U.S. Colored Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Joel Allen Dewey (born September 20, 1840 – died June 17, 1873) was an important officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He started as a colonel. After the war ended, he was made a brigadier general in November 1865. However, he left the army before his promotion was fully approved. Later, he became a lawyer and a district attorney general in Tennessee.
Contents
A Young Life in Vermont
Joel Allen Dewey was born on September 20, 1840. His hometown was Georgia, Vermont. His parents were Horace and Harriet (Peck) Dewey. In 1858, Joel started attending Oberlin College. This was a college known for its progressive ideas.
Joining the Civil War
In October 1861, Joel left college. The American Civil War had just begun. He decided to join the Union Army. He became a second lieutenant in the 58th Ohio Infantry. This was his first military role.
Military Service and Promotions
Joel Dewey quickly showed his skills. He was promoted to captain. He then served in the 43rd Ohio Infantry. He took part in several important battles. These included the Battle of New Madrid, the Battle of Iuka, and the Siege of Corinth. He also served on duty in Tennessee.
Later, Joel was made a lieutenant colonel. He joined the 111th U.S. Colored Infantry. He led a group of soldiers called a brigade. They were fighting in Alabama. During these operations, he was captured by Nathan Forrest's cavalry. This happened near Athens, Georgia.
After being released, he continued to serve. He fought in Alabama and Tennessee. On November 20, 1865, he received a big promotion. He was made a brigadier general of U.S. Volunteers. He was only 25 years old at the time. His promotion was approved by the U.S. Senate in February 1866. However, he had already left the army on January 1, 1866. He officially left the volunteer service on January 31, 1866.
After the War: A New Career
After the war, Joel Dewey decided to study law. He went to the Albany Law School in New York. He graduated in 1867. He then moved to Dandridge, Tennessee. There, he started his own law practice.
In 1869, he became the Attorney General for the Second District of Tennessee. This meant he was the chief legal officer for that area. He held this important job until his death. Joel Allen Dewey passed away on June 17, 1873. He died in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was buried in Dandridge, Tennessee.
