Langhorne Wister facts for kids

Langhorne Wesley Wister (born September 20, 1834 – died March 19, 1891) was an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He played an important role in several major battles.

Early Life and Work

Langhorne Wister was born in Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This was on September 20, 1834. His father, William Wister, worked as the treasurer for the North Pennsylvania Railroad for many years.

Langhorne went to school at the Germantown Academy. When he was 18, he moved to Duncannon, Pennsylvania. There, he started a business making iron.

Serving in the Civil War

When the Civil War began, Langhorne Wister joined the Union Army. He became a captain in the 13th Pennsylvania Reserve Regiment.

Key Battles as a Captain

Captain Wister fought in the Battle of Gaines' Mill. He was wounded during this battle. He also fought bravely at the Battle of Fredericksburg.

Rising Through the Ranks

Later, Wister helped to gather soldiers for a new group. He became a colonel of the 150th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment. This group was also known as the "Bucktails."

Colonel Wister fought in the Battle of Chancellorsville. His regiment was part of the I Corps in the Army of the Potomac.

The Battle of Gettysburg

Wister played a big part in the Battle of Gettysburg. On the first day, he took command of a larger group of soldiers called a brigade. This happened after Colonel Roy Stone was hurt.

During a famous part of the battle called Pickett's Charge, Wister was also wounded. A minie ball hit him in the mouth. He had to give up his command because of his injury. Even so, he still wrote a report about the battle for his brigade.

After fighting at the Battle of Mine Run, Wister went back home to Duncannon, Pennsylvania.

After the War

After the war, Langhorne Wister received an honor. On July 9, 1866, President Andrew Johnson suggested he be given the honorary rank of brevet brigadier general. This means he was recognized for his bravery and service. The United States Senate agreed to this on July 23, 1866.

Return to Business and Politics

When he returned to Duncannon, Wister went back to his iron business. He became a partner in a company called L. & R. Wister & Co.

In 1874, he ran for Congress as a Republican candidate. He wanted to represent his district. However, he lost the election to William S. Stanger.

Later Life and Death

Langhorne Wister died on March 19, 1891. He passed away from meningitis at his family home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was buried at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia.