John Joseph Abercrombie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Joseph Abercrombie
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John Joseph Abercrombie
photo taken between 1861 and 1865 |
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| Born | March 4, 1798 Baltimore, Maryland |
| Died | January 3, 1877 (aged 78) Roslyn, New York |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1822–1869 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Unit | 1st U.S. Infantry |
| Commands held | 7th U.S. Infantry 6th Brigade, 2nd Division, Department of Pennsylvania 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, IV Corps |
| Battles/wars | Black Hawk War Seminole Wars Mexican–American War American Civil War |
John Joseph Abercrombie was an important officer in the United States Army. He was born in 1798 and lived until 1877. He fought in many wars, becoming a brigadier general during the American Civil War.
Contents
Early Military Career and Key Battles
John Joseph Abercrombie was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1798. When he was 20, he joined the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated in 1822. Some of his classmates also became famous generals later on.
First Assignments and Early Wars
Abercrombie started his long military career in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He worked as an adjutant, which is like an assistant officer, for the 1st U.S. Infantry. In 1828, he became a first lieutenant.
He fought in the Black Hawk War in 1832 against the Sauk Indians. After this, he was stationed in Illinois and Wisconsin.
Fighting in the Seminole and Mexican-American Wars
As a captain, Abercrombie saw more fighting in the Seminole Wars. He was recognized for his bravery at the Battle of Lake Okeechobee. For this, he was given the honorary rank of major.
He continued to serve on the frontier, which means guarding the edges of settled areas. He fought again in the Mexican–American War. He was noted for his actions at the Battle of Monterrey and was promoted to lieutenant colonel.
After the war, he married Mary Engle Patterson. She was the daughter of General Robert Patterson. They had nine children together.
Founding Fort Abercrombie
In 1857, Abercrombie helped create Fort Abercrombie in what is now North Dakota. He chose the location and oversaw the building of this wooden fort. He then commanded the soldiers there before being moved to Minnesota.
Civil War Service and Leadership
When the Civil War began, Abercrombie was 63 years old. This made him one of the oldest field officers in both the Union and Confederate armies. He was a colonel in the Regular Army and commanded the 7th U.S. Infantry in Minnesota.
Promotions and Early Campaigns
On August 31, 1861, he was promoted to brigadier general of Volunteers in the Union Army. He commanded troops under his father-in-law, Robert Patterson, in the Shenandoah Valley. He also fought at the Battle of Falling Waters.
Later, he was given command of the 2nd Brigade in the IV Corps, which was part of the Army of the Potomac.
Peninsula Campaign and Wounds
Abercrombie led his brigade during the Peninsula Campaign in 1862. He was wounded during the Battle of Seven Pines. His troops also helped push back Confederate attacks at the Battle of Malvern Hill. His unit was involved in smaller fights as the Union forces retreated.
Later War Duties
After the Peninsula Campaign, Abercrombie was replaced by younger officers. For the next year, he helped defend Washington, D.C.. In 1864, he managed Union supply depots in Virginia during the Overland Campaign. He commanded soldiers who defended a supply depot in Fredericksburg, Virginia, from an attack in June 1864.
On March 13, 1865, Abercrombie received another honorary promotion to brigadier general in the Regular Army. This was to recognize his many years of service. He retired from active duty on June 12 after commanding Fort Schuyler in New York.
Life After the War
Even after retiring, Abercrombie stayed connected with the U.S. Army. For three more years, he served on court-martial duty. This meant he was part of military trials.
John Joseph Abercrombie passed away in Roslyn, Long Island, New York, on January 3, 1877. He was buried in The Woodlands Cemetery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
