Joseph Kargé facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Karge
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| Born | July 4, 1823 Poznań, Kingdom of Prussia |
| Died | December 27, 1892 (aged 69) New York City, New York |
| Buried |
Princeton Cemetery, Princeton, New Jersey
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 1867–1871 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Unit | 1st New Jersey Cavalry Regiment 8th U.S. Cavalry Regiment |
| Commands held | 2nd New Jersey Volunteer Cavalry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Joseph Kargé (born July 4, 1823, in Poznan, Prussia – died December 27, 1892, in New York City) was an important military officer and a dedicated teacher. He was involved in political uprisings in Poland in 1848. Because of this, he had to leave his home country. He first went to France, then England, before arriving in New York City in 1851. He came to America as a political refugee, seeking a safe new life.
Before the American Civil War began, Joseph Karge taught classes. He specialized in classical literature and foreign languages. When the Civil War started, he joined the army. He became a lieutenant colonel in the 1st New Jersey Volunteer Cavalry.
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Joseph Karge's Military Service
Joseph Karge played a role in the American Civil War. His military career began in 1861. He joined the Union Army, fighting for the United States.
Early War Experiences
In 1862, Joseph Karge was wounded during the Second Battle of Bull Run. This was a major battle in the Civil War. His injury was quite serious. It kept him from fighting for much of the rest of the war. His wound meant he could not actively serve in combat.
Leading Cavalry Forces
In November 1863, Karge was promoted to colonel. He took command of the new 2nd New Jersey Volunteer Cavalry. Under his leadership, his troops took part in military missions. These missions were in Tennessee and Alabama.
One of his notable achievements was a victory over General Nathan Bedford Forrest. This happened at Bolivar, Tennessee. General Forrest was known as a very skilled cavalry leader. Karge's win was a rare success against him. In December 1864, Colonel Karge led the 1st Brigade. This brigade was part of Brigadier General Benjamin Grierson's 2nd Cavalry Division. His brigade included several cavalry regiments. These were the 2nd New Jersey Cavalry, 7th Indiana Cavalry, 4th Missouri Cavalry, and the 1st Mississippi Rifles.
Earning a Special Promotion
On March 13, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln gave Karge a special promotion. He was made a brevet brigadier general. A "brevet" rank is an honorary promotion. It is given for brave and excellent service. This honor was recommended by General Benjamin Grierson. It recognized Karge's important contributions during the war.
Life After the Civil War
After the Civil War ended, Joseph Karge briefly returned to military service. In 1867, he rejoined the regular army. He served in Arizona with the 8th U.S. Cavalry. However, his time in the army was short. He resigned from his position in 1871.
A Career in Education
In the later part of his life, Joseph Karge returned to teaching. He became a professor at Princeton University. For the next twenty years, he taught literature there. He passed away in New York City in 1892.
