Joseph B. Plummer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Bennett Plummer
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | November 15, 1816 Barre, Massachusetts |
| Died | August 9, 1862 (aged 45) Corinth, Mississippi |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1841–1862 |
| Rank |  Brig. General, USV Major, USA |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War |
| Spouse(s) | Frances Hagner Clark (died 1900) |
| Children |
|
| Relations | Satterlee Clark (brother-in-law) Temple Clark (brother-in-law) |
Joseph Bennett Plummer (born November 15, 1816 – died August 9, 1862) was an important officer in the United States Army. He became a brigadier general during the American Civil War.
Joseph Plummer's Military Journey
Joseph Plummer was born in Barre, Massachusetts. He went to regular schools and taught for several years. In 1837, he was accepted into the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated from West Point in 1841.
After graduating, he became a second lieutenant in the 1st U.S. Infantry. He mostly served on "garrison duty," which means guarding military posts. He was sick and missed the first year of the Mexican–American War. From 1848 to 1861, Plummer worked as a "quartermaster" on the Texas frontier. A quartermaster is an officer who makes sure soldiers have supplies like food and equipment. In 1852, he was promoted to captain in the 1st U.S. Infantry.
During the American Civil War, Plummer was wounded at the Battle of Wilson's Creek. He was leading a group of regular soldiers at the time. In September 1861, he became a colonel of the 11th Missouri Volunteers. He was put in charge of the military post at Cape Girardeau, Missouri, until March 1862.
On March 11, 1862, Plummer was promoted to brigadier general of U.S. Volunteers. In April 1862, he became a major in the 8th U.S. Infantry in the Regular Army.
Later, Plummer led the 5th Division of General John Pope's army. He fought in the New Madrid and Island Number Ten campaigns. He then commanded a brigade (a large group of soldiers) in Stanley's division at Corinth, Mississippi. Joseph Plummer died in camp at Corinth on August 9, 1862. He passed away from the lasting effects of his wounds and being out in the field for a long time. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Joseph Plummer's Family Life
Around 1841, Joseph Plummer married Frances Hagner Clark. Her father, Major Satterlee Clark, had served in the War of 1812. He later worked as an Army paymaster, handling money for soldiers.
By 1841, Frances's family lived in the Wisconsin Territory. Her father was a "sutler" at Fort Howard. A sutler was a person who sold goods to soldiers in the army. Her brother, Satterlee Clark, Jr., was also a sutler at Fort Winnebago.
Joseph Plummer was also good friends with his wife's other brother, Temple Clark. Temple Clark also fought in the Mexican–American War and was a Union Army officer in the Civil War. Joseph Plummer even invited Temple Clark to join his staff (his team of assistants) in the Army of the Mississippi before he died.
Joseph and Frances Plummer had two children: Satterlee Clark Plummer and Lydia Lee Plummer. Their son, Satterlee Clark Plummer, followed in his father's footsteps. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1865. He became a career U.S. Army officer, just like his dad. Sadly, he died from pneumonia in 1881. He was promoted to captain after his death.
