Joseph Conrad (general) facts for kids

Joseph Conrad (May 17, 1827 – July 16, 1897) was an important military leader during the American Civil War. He was a colonel in the Union Army. In 1866, he received a special honor. He was named a brevet brigadier general of volunteers. This was for his excellent service during the Atlanta Campaign, a major part of the war.

Early Life and Military Training

Joseph Conrad was born in Wied-Selters, Germany. He went to a military academy in Hesse-Darmstadt and finished his studies in 1848. After that, he became an officer in the Prussian Army. Later, he decided to move to the United States. He settled down in the state of Missouri.

Joining the Union Army

When the American Civil War began, Joseph Conrad joined the Union Army. On April 22, 1861, he became a captain in the Third Missouri Infantry. He was captured by enemy forces on July 5, 1861, in Neosho, Missouri. Luckily, he was later exchanged, meaning he was set free in return for another captured soldier.

In September 1861, he was promoted to major. He then joined the Fifteenth Missouri Infantry.

Key Battles and Promotions

Joseph Conrad fought in many important battles during the war. These included the Battle of Wilson's Creek and the Battle of Carthage. He also took part in the Battle of Pea Ridge and the Siege of Corinth. Other battles he fought in were Perryville, Chickamauga, and Missionary Ridge.

The Atlanta Campaign and Beyond

During the important Atlanta Campaign, Joseph Conrad led a brigade. A brigade is a large group of soldiers. His brigade was part of the Army of the Cumberland. He commanded his troops in the Battle of Franklin and the Battle of Nashville.

On January 13, 1866, President Andrew Johnson recognized Conrad's great service. He nominated Conrad for the special rank of brevet brigadier general of volunteers. This honor was for his actions during the Atlanta Campaign. The United States Senate agreed to this appointment on March 12, 1866. He was given this rank starting from March 13, 1865.

After the war, he commanded a military area in Texas. This was called the sub-district of Victoria. He served there until February 3, 1866. At that time, he finished his service as a volunteer soldier.

After the War and Retirement

After the Civil War, Joseph Conrad joined the regular U.S. Army. On July 28, 1866, he became a captain in the 29th Infantry. In April 1869, he moved to the 11th Infantry. He continued to serve with his regiment until October 23, 1882. At that time, he retired from the army with the rank of colonel.

Joseph Conrad and his wife, Minnie S. Conrad (1848–1898), are buried together. Their graves are at Arlington National Cemetery.