John I. Curtin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John I. Curtin
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John I. Curtin
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| Born | June 17, 1837 Eagle Forge, Pennsylvania |
| Died | January 1, 1911 (aged 73) Bellefonte, Pennsylvania |
| Place of burial |
Union Cemetery, Bellefonte, Pennsylvania
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 45th Pennsylvania Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Relations | Cousin of Gov. Andrew Gregg Curtin |
John Irvin Curtin (June 17, 1837 – January 1, 1911) was an important military leader during the American Civil War. He was born in Pennsylvania and was a cousin of Andrew Gregg Curtin, who was the governor of Pennsylvania. John Curtin bravely led soldiers in the war, first as a regiment commander and later as a brigade leader.
Contents
John Curtin's Early Life
John Curtin grew up in Eagle Forge, Pennsylvania. He went to school at Dickinson Seminary, which is now called Lycoming College. After his studies, he became a civil engineer. This means he designed and helped build things like roads and bridges.
Serving in the Civil War
John Curtin joined the army in 1861, right when the Civil War began. He started as a private in the 2nd Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment. Soon after, he became a captain in the 45th Pennsylvania Infantry on September 9, 1861.
He quickly moved up in rank:
- He became a major on July 30, 1862.
- Then, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel on September 4, 1862.
- Finally, he became the colonel of his regiment on April 13, 1863.
Key Battles and Commands
Curtin's regiment was part of the IX Corps in the Army of the Potomac. He led his soldiers in several major battles:
- At the Battle of South Mountain and the Battle of Antietam, he took command of the 45th Pennsylvania.
- He also fought in the Battle of Fredericksburg.
- Later, his corps moved west, and Curtin led the 45th Pennsylvania during the Siege of Vicksburg.
In 1864, the IX Corps returned to the Army of the Potomac. Curtin led his regiment at the Battle of the Wilderness. He then took command of a larger group of soldiers, called a brigade, on May 11, 1864. He led this brigade at the Battle of Cold Harbor. He was wounded during the Second Battle of Petersburg on June 18, 1864.
Curtin returned to lead his brigade again during the Siege of Petersburg from August 1864 to January 1865. After the war ended, he continued to serve for a short time, leading different groups of soldiers until July 1865.
Becoming a General
On December 20, 1864, President Abraham Lincoln nominated John Curtin to become a brevet brigadier general. This was a special honor given for brave service. The United States Senate confirmed this appointment on February 14, 1865. He officially left the army on July 17, 1865.
Life After the War
After the Civil War, John Curtin lived until January 1, 1911. He passed away in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, and was buried at the Union Cemetery there.
Images for kids
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General John I. Curtin
