John Trout Greble facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Trout Greble
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Lt. John Trout Greble
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| Born | January 19, 1834 Philadelphia |
| Died | June 10, 1861 (aged 27) Bethel Manor, Virginia |
| Buried |
West Laurel Hill Cemetery
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| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1854–1861 |
| Rank | First lieutenant |
| Unit | 2nd U.S. Artillery Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Third Seminole War American Civil War |
| Relations | Edwin St. John Greble (son) |
John Trout Greble (born January 19, 1834, in Philadelphia; died June 10, 1861, in Virginia) was a brave soldier in the United States Army. He fought for the Union Army during the American Civil War. John Greble was killed in the Battle of Big Bethel. He was the very first graduate of the famous West Point military school to die in that war.
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John Greble's Life Story
John Greble graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1854. After graduating, he joined the 2nd Artillery and was stationed in Newport, Rhode Island. In September 1854, he became a second lieutenant. He was then sent to Tampa, Florida.
Early Military Service
For two years, John Greble served in Florida during the Seminole Wars, which involved conflicts with Native American tribes. He became very sick with a fever and had to go home to recover. But in early 1856, he returned to duty. For a while, he helped manage supplies and food for the army.
In December 1856, John Greble was given a special job. He became an acting assistant professor at the U.S. Military Academy. He taught subjects like geography, history, and ethics. He stayed there until September 24, 1860. On March 3, 1857, he was promoted to first lieutenant.
The Civil War Begins
In late 1860, John Greble was sent to Fort Monroe in Virginia. This fort was very important, and he helped make sure it wasn't captured. On May 26, 1861, he went to Newport News, Virginia. There, he was in charge of weapons and helped build defenses. He also trained volunteer soldiers how to use artillery guns.
The Battle of Big Bethel
When a plan was made for an attack on Big Bethel, John Greble was asked to go with two cannons. He thought the plan was not a good idea. During the battle, the Union Army troops were pushed back. John Greble used his cannons skillfully to protect them. This stopped the enemy from chasing and destroying the retreating soldiers.
At the very end of the battle, after he had ordered his cannons to be pulled back, a rifle bullet hit him in the head. He died instantly. Because of his bravery during the battle, he was given special honors. On the day he died, he was promoted to captain, major, and lieutenant colonel. John Greble was first buried in Philadelphia. Later, he was reburied in West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Pennsylvania.
His Family
John Greble married Sarah Bradley French. Her father, John W. French, was a professor at West Point. John and Sarah had a son named Edwin St. John Greble. Edwin was born at West Point, New York, and he also became a soldier. He grew up to be a major general in the U.S. Army.
