John E. Bendix facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John E. Bendix
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| Born | August 28, 1818 on board the steamer "Sarah" |
| Died | October 8, 1877 (aged 59) New York City, New York |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
Union Army New York Militia |
| Years of service | 1861-1863 1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General (Union Army) Brevet Brigadier General (New York Militia) |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
John E. Bendix (born August 28, 1818 – died October 8, 1877) was an important officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He led two different groups of soldiers, called regiments, from New York State. Later, he commanded an even larger group of foot soldiers, known as an infantry brigade. He served in the main Union army in the eastern United States.
Bendix was seriously hurt during the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862. He was known for being very good at finding and organizing new soldiers. After the war, he became an honorary general in the New York Militia. He helped set up the state's military force, which is now called the New York Guard. Bendix finished his service in the Union Army on May 7, 1863. In 1866, he was given the honorary rank of brevet brigadier general of volunteers.
Contents
Early Life and Joining the Military
From Germany to New York
John E. Bendix was born on August 28, 1818. He was born on a steamboat called the "Sarah" while it was traveling on the St. Lawrence River. This river flows between the United States and Canada.
His parents were from Germany. Soon after John was born, they went back to Germany. John went to school there. When he was still a teenager, he returned to the United States. He settled in New York City. There, he learned how to be a pattern maker and a machinist.
Starting His Military Journey
In 1847, Bendix joined the 9th New York State Militia as a private soldier. This was a local military group. He quickly moved up in rank. By October 1859, he was made a lieutenant colonel in the 11th New York State Militia.
Serving in the Civil War
Leading New York Regiments
When the American Civil War began in 1861, John Bendix quickly got involved. He helped create a new group of soldiers called the 7th New York Infantry. On April 23, 1861, he was made its first colonel.
He left that position in August 1861. Then, on September 2, 1861, he became the colonel of another group, the 10th New York Infantry. This group was also known as the "National Zouaves." His regiment spent the winter at Fort Monroe in Virginia. In May, he took part in a mission against Confederate forces near Norfolk, Virginia.
Major Battles and Injuries
In 1862, Bendix was part of the Peninsula Campaign. During the Seven Days Battles, he hurt his ankle. Later that year, he fought in several important battles. These included the Second Bull Run, Antietam, and Battle of Fredericksburg.
At Fredericksburg, Bendix was seriously wounded. A piece of an exploding cannon shell hit him in the neck. He was carried off the battlefield and went home to New York City to recover.
Finishing His War Service
Bendix returned to his regiment in January 1863. From March to April 1863, he took command of the 3rd Brigade. This was a larger group of soldiers within the II Corps.
His command ended on April 28, 1863. The 10th New York regiment was ordered home to finish their service. Bendix officially left the volunteer army on May 7, 1863. After this, he spent a lot of time helping to find and train new soldiers for other New York units.
On July 20, 1866, President Andrew Johnson nominated Bendix for an honorary rank. He was made a brevet brigadier general of volunteers. This rank was made official by the United States Senate on July 26, 1866.
After the War
Organizing the New York Militia
In November 1865, Bendix organized another military group called the Third Regiment (Bendix Zouaves). He was also appointed an honorary brigadier general in the New York Militia in 1865.
He retired from military service in 1871. John E. Bendix died six years later, in 1877, in New York City. He was 59 years old. He is buried in Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn.
A local group for Civil War veterans, New York Post #402 of the Grand Army of the Republic, was named in honor of General Bendix.
