Joseph Bradford Carr facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Bradford Carr
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Joseph Bradford Carr
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| Born | August 16, 1828 Albany, New York |
| Died | February 24, 1895 (aged 66) Troy, New York |
| Place of burial |
Oakwood Cemetery, Troy, New York
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Brevet Major General |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | Politician |
Joseph Bradford Carr (born August 16, 1828 – died February 24, 1895) was an important general who fought for the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Contents
Joseph Carr's Early Life
Joseph Carr was born in Albany, New York. His parents had moved there from Ireland. When he was young, he worked selling tobacco.
Later, while living in Troy, New York, he became very interested in military matters. By 1861, he was already a colonel in the New York militia, which was like a local army.
Serving in the Civil War
Starting His Military Career
When the Civil War began, Joseph Carr played a big part in gathering soldiers for the 2nd New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He was made its colonel on May 14, 1861.
His regiment was sent to Fort Monroe, Virginia. There, they took part in an early battle at Big Bethel.
Fighting with the Army of the Potomac
Carr served with the main Union army, called the Army of the Potomac, during several big campaigns. These included the Peninsula Campaign and the Seven Days Battles. He also fought in the Northern Virginia campaign.
As a leader of a brigade (a group of soldiers) in the III Corps, General Carr was part of the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. During part of the Chancellorsville battle, he even commanded a whole division after another general, Hiram Berry, was killed.
Becoming a Brigadier General
Carr was promoted to brigadier general on September 7, 1862. This was because he showed great bravery at the Malvern Hill.
However, his promotion had some problems with paperwork. It took a while for it to be fully approved. He was nominated several times before the United States Senate finally confirmed his rank on June 30, 1864.
Bravery at Gettysburg
General Carr was especially known for his bravery at the Battle of Gettysburg. He was wounded there, but his soldiers bravely held their ground near a place called the Peach Orchard.
In the autumn of 1863, he commanded the 3rd Division of the III Corps. Because of the issues with his general promotion, he was technically outranked by some of his own officers. So, on May 2, 1864, Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant moved Carr to the Army of the James.
Later War Service
In the Army of the James, Carr commanded a division of African-American soldiers in the XVIII Corps. For a short time, he also commanded the defenses around Yorktown in Virginia and North Carolina.
On March 13, 1865, Carr was given the honorary rank of brevet major general of volunteers. He officially left the volunteer service on August 24, 1865, after the war ended.
Life After the War
Becoming a Politician
After the Civil War, Joseph Carr became a manufacturer in Troy, New York. He then entered politics as a Republican in New York State.
He served as the Secretary of State of New York from 1880 to 1885. He was elected to this important state job in 1879, 1881, and 1883. In 1885, he ran for Lieutenant Governor of New York with Ira Davenport, but they did not win.
Later Years and Legacy
Joseph Carr died in Troy, New York, and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery there.
Interestingly, the actress Laura Prepon is his great-great-great granddaughter.
