Joshua James Guppey facts for kids

Joshua James Guppey (born August 27, 1820 – died December 8, 1893) was an important person in American history. He was a military leader during the American Civil War. He also worked as a judge, a school leader, and a politician.

Early Life and Education

Joshua Guppey was born on August 27, 1820. His hometown was Dover, New Hampshire. He went to college at Dartmouth College and graduated there.

Moving to Wisconsin

After college, Guppey moved to Columbus, Wisconsin. He started his own law business there. Later, he moved to Portage, Wisconsin. He lived in Portage until he passed away.

His Passing

Joshua Guppey died in Portage on December 8, 1893. He was buried in Pine Hill Cemetery (Dover, New Hampshire).

Military Service in the Civil War

Joshua Guppey became an officer in the Union Army in 1861. This was at the start of the American Civil War. He first joined the 10th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment.

Leading a Regiment

In 1862, Guppey was promoted to Colonel. He then took command of the 23rd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment. This group of soldiers was based at Camp Randall.

Key Battles and Campaigns

Colonel Guppey and his regiment fought in several important battles. They were part of the Battle of Fort Hindman. They also fought in the Battle of Champion Hill. During the Battle of Champion Hill, a future U.S. Postmaster General, William Vilas, was his second-in-command.

Guppey faced challenges during the war. He became sick with malaria. He also got hurt in a battle, which kept him from fighting for a while. After recovering, he joined the Red River Campaign. In 1865, he took part in the Battle of Fort Blakely.

After the War

Joshua Guppey finished his time as a volunteer soldier on July 4, 1865. Later, in 1866, President Andrew Johnson honored him. Guppey was given the honorary rank of brevet brigadier general. This rank was confirmed by the United States Senate. After the war, Guppey stayed active in the Wisconsin Army National Guard. He retired from this service in 1893.

Public Service and Politics

Joshua Guppey also had a career in public service. He became a judge and worked in schools.

Serving as a Judge

In 1849, Guppey became a probate judge in Columbia County, Wisconsin. A probate judge handles legal matters for people who have passed away. The next year, he became a county judge. He served as a county judge until 1858.

Leading Schools

From 1858 to 1861, Guppey was the Superintendent of Portage Schools. This meant he was in charge of the schools in Portage. He held this important role again from 1866 to 1873.

Political Campaigns

In 1862, Guppey ran for a seat in the United States House of Representatives. He was the candidate for the Democratic Party in Wisconsin. However, he lost the election to Ithamar Sloan. After this election, he changed his political group. He then joined the Republican Party.