John R. Brooke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Rutter Brooke
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| Born | July 21, 1838 Pottstown, Pennsylvania |
| Died | September 5, 1926 (aged 88) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
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| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1902 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War Indian Wars Spanish–American War |
| Awards | Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States Military Order of Foreign Wars Society of Colonial Wars |
John Rutter Brooke (born July 21, 1838 – died September 5, 1926) was an important American military leader. He was a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He lived to be 88 years old.
Contents
Early Life and Education
John Rutter Brooke was born in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. He grew up and went to school in nearby towns. These towns were Collegeville and West Chester.
Serving in the Civil War
Brooke started his military career in April 1861. He joined the 4th Pennsylvania Infantry as a captain. This was at the very start of the American Civil War.
In August of that year, he became a colonel. He led a new group of soldiers called the 53rd Pennsylvania Infantry. He fought with them in the 1862 Peninsula Campaign.
He briefly led a larger group of soldiers, called a brigade, during the Battle of Antietam. This battle happened in September 1862. In May 1863, he was given permanent command of a brigade. He led this group in the Battle of Chancellorsville. He also led them during the Gettysburg Campaign.
Gettysburg: A Key Battle
On July 2, 1863, during the Battle of Gettysburg, Brooke's brigade faced heavy fighting. Confederate forces attacked the Union lines. Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock sent Brooke's men as backup.
Colonel Brooke bravely led his brigade in a small counterattack. This happened in an area known as the Wheatfield. He was badly hurt during this fight. However, his soldiers managed to slow down the Confederates. This action helped the Union army hold its ground.
After he recovered, Brooke continued to fight. He took part in the Overland Campaign. This included battles like the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House. He was promoted to brigadier general on May 12, 1864. General Brooke was wounded again in June at the Battle of Cold Harbor. Later in the war, he led a division in western Virginia. He was recognized for his bravery and service.
After the Civil War
In 1866, Brooke continued his military career. He became a lieutenant colonel in the regular U.S. Army. Thirteen years later, he became a colonel. He led the 13th U.S. Infantry. He served in many different places on the frontier (the western parts of the country).
In 1888, he was promoted to brigadier general. He was in charge of the Department of the Platte. This was a military area in the western United States. In 1890, he was ordered to send troops to Wounded Knee. He left this command in 1895.
Spanish-American War and Beyond
In 1897, he became a major general in the regular Army. He was given command of the I Corps during the Spanish–American War. In Puerto Rico, he landed with General Hains. They reached Guayama when the fighting stopped.
In October 1898, General Miles left Puerto Rico. Brooke then became the military governor of the island. He was in charge of the U.S. military government there. On December 6, he was replaced by General Guy Vernor Henry. A week later, on December 13, he was given the same job in Cuba.
General Brooke retired from the Army on July 21, 1902. He lived in Philadelphia until he passed away in 1926. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Family Life
In 1863, John Brooke married Louisa H. Roberts. She passed away in 1867. In 1877, he married Mary L. Stearns. She was the daughter of Governor Onslow Stearns. John Brooke had two sons, William and Louis, with his first wife.
Legacy and Honors
A troop transport ship was named in his honor. It was called USS General J. R. Brooke (AP-132). This ship was launched in February 1943. Also, a former U.S. Army military base in San Juan, Puerto Rico, was named Fort Brooke. This base included the famous El Morro Castle.
See also
In Spanish: John R. Brooke para niños
