John Reese Kenly facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Reese Kenly
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| Born | January 11, 1818 Baltimore, Maryland |
| Died | December 20, 1891 (aged 73) Baltimore, Maryland |
| Place of burial |
Green Mount Cemetery, Baltimore, Maryland
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| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1846–1848, 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General Brevet Major General |
| Commands held | 1st Maryland Infantry Regiment 3rd Division, I Corps 3rd Brigade, Middle Department |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War American Civil War |
| Other work | Lawyer |
John Reese Kenly (January 11, 1818 – December 20, 1891) was an American lawyer. He also became a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
A Look at John Reese Kenly's Life
Early Life and First War
John Reese Kenly was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He studied law and became a lawyer in 1845. But soon, he decided to join the military.
He went to the Mexican–American War (1846-1848). He started as a lieutenant and led a group of volunteers he had gathered himself. Later, he was promoted to the rank of major.
As a captain, he led a company in the Baltimore-Washington Battalion. He even wrote a book about his experiences called Memoirs of a Maryland Volunteer. His battalion fought bravely during the Battle of Monterrey in September 1846.
Fighting in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Kenly joined the Union Army. He became a colonel and led the 1st Regiment Maryland Volunteer Infantry. This unit was formed in Baltimore, Maryland, in May 1861.
In May 1862, his regiment faced a tough fight at Front Royal, Virginia. They were captured by Confederate General Stonewall Jackson's forces. Kenly was badly wounded during this battle and taken as a prisoner.
Even though he was captured, Kenly's brave stand helped save another Union group. Because of his courage, he was promoted to lead a brigade in 1862. He led his soldiers in important battles, including those near Hagerstown, Maryland and Harpers Ferry.
After the famous Battle of Gettysburg, Kenly joined the main Union army, called the Army of the Potomac. He commanded a division during the Bristoe Campaign and the Battle of Mine Run. Later, in 1864, he led the Third Separate Brigade.
John Reese Kenly died in Baltimore, Maryland. He was buried there in Green Mount Cemetery.
