Joseph H. Potter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Haydn Potter
|
|
|---|---|
Joseph Haydn Potter
|
|
| Born | October 12, 1822 Concord, New Hampshire |
| Died | December 1, 1892 (aged 70) Columbus, Ohio |
| Place of burial |
Green Lawn Cemetery, Columbus, Ohio
|
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1843–1886 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Unit | Army of the James |
| Commands held | brigades in the XVIII and XXIV corps |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Joseph Haydn Potter (born October 12, 1822 – died December 1, 1892) was a brave soldier from New Hampshire. He spent his whole life in the army. During the American Civil War, he became a general for the Union Army. He was captured by the enemy twice during the war. He was also recognized many times for his courage.
Contents
Early Life and Army Training
Joseph Potter was born in Concord, New Hampshire, on October 12, 1822. He joined the United States Military Academy in 1839. This is a famous school for training army officers. He finished his studies in 1843. He was almost as good as his classmate, Ulysses S. Grant, who later became president.
For the next two years, Potter worked as a second lieutenant. He was stationed at different army bases. He then joined the military occupation of Texas. He also fought in the Mexican War. He helped defend Fort Brown and was hurt during the Battle of Monterey.
After the war, he helped recruit new soldiers in the East. He became a first lieutenant in 1847. In 1856, he was promoted to captain. Potter also joined the Utah War expedition from 1858 to 1860. Later, he was sent back to Texas for outpost duty.
Serving in the Civil War
When the Civil War began in 1861, Potter was still in Texas. Confederate soldiers captured him on July 27, 1861. He was a prisoner of war for over a year. He was finally set free on August 2, 1862.
Potter returned to duty and became a colonel. He took command of the 12th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry. This was a group of volunteer soldiers. He also kept his rank of captain in the regular army.
Key Battles and Captures
Potter fought in the Maryland Campaign with the Army of the Potomac. He then took part in the battles leading up to the Battle of Fredericksburg. In 1863, during the Battle of Chancellorsville, he was wounded. He was captured by the Confederates again.
Because of his bravery in these battles, he earned special "brevet" ranks. These were honorary promotions to lieutenant colonel and colonel in the regular army. While still a prisoner, he was also promoted to major in the regular army in July 1863.
He was exchanged again in October 1863. After that, he worked in Ohio until September 1864. Then, he was given command of a brigade. A brigade is a large group of soldiers. His brigade was part of the XVIII Corps in the Army of the James. He led the defense of the Bermuda Hundred area. He also fought in the attack on Fort Harrison.
Later, Potter led a brigade in the XXIV Corps. He commanded them during the Siege of Petersburg. He stayed at the front lines as chief of staff for the XXIV Corps. This was until General Robert E. Lee surrendered. On March 13, 1865, he received another brevet promotion to brigadier general. Then, on May 1, 1865, he became a full brigadier general of volunteers.
Life After the War
Potter left the volunteer army on January 15, 1866. He was then appointed lieutenant colonel of the 30th Infantry Regiment. He served in many places in the West. On December 11, 1873, he was promoted to colonel. He then commanded the 24th Infantry Regiment.
From 1877 to 1881, Potter was the governor of a soldiers' home in Washington, D.C.. This was a place for retired or disabled soldiers. After that, he returned to his regiment. On April 1, 1886, he became a brigadier general in the Regular Army. He then commanded the Department of the Missouri. He retired from the army on October 12, 1886.
Potter was a member of two important military groups: the Aztec Club of 1847 and the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.
He retired to Columbus, Ohio, where he passed away in 1892. He is buried in Green Lawn Cemetery. In 1903, a military battery at Fort Hancock, New Jersey was named Battery Potter in his honor.
Images for kids
-
Joseph Haydn Potter
