Levi Clark Bootes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Levi Clark Bootes
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| Born | December 8, 1809 Washington, D.C. |
| Died | April 19, 1896 (aged 86) Wilmington, Delaware |
| Buried |
Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery
Wilmington, Delaware |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1846 - 1874 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant Colonel |
| Unit | Regiment of Mounted Riflemen 6th U.S. Infantry 17th U.S. Infantry 16th U.S. Infantry 20th U.S. Infantry |
| Commands held | 25th U.S. Infantry |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War American Civil War |
Levi Clark Bootes (December 8, 1809 – April 19, 1896) was a dedicated officer in the United States Army. He served his country for many years. He fought in two major conflicts: the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War.
Contents
A Soldier's Journey
Levi Clark Bootes was born in Washington, D.C.. He grew up there and went to local schools. In 1846, when he was 36, he joined the U.S. Army. He started as a private in a group called the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen. Soon after joining, he was promoted to Sergeant.
Early Military Career
In 1848, Levi Bootes became a second lieutenant. This was a special promotion for his good service. He joined the 6th U.S. Infantry. During this time, he served in the Mexican–American War. He fought under famous generals like Zachary Taylor and Winfield Scott. After the war, he was officially promoted to second lieutenant.
Bootes then served at different army bases in the western parts of the United States. In 1853, he was promoted again to first lieutenant. He was sent to the Arizona Territory, where he served at Fort Yuma. By June 1860, his dedication earned him another promotion, this time to captain.
Service in the Civil War
When the Civil War began, Captain Bootes continued to serve in the regular army. He was part of the 1st and 6th U.S. Infantry. He showed great bravery in battle. He was wounded at the Battle of Antietam. He was wounded again at the Battle of Gettysburg. At Gettysburg, he bravely led his regiment in fierce fighting near an area known as the Wheatfield.
For his courage and leadership, he was promoted to Major in October 1863. He held this important position for the rest of the war.
Special Promotions and Retirement
During the Civil War, Levi Bootes received three special honors called "brevet promotions." These promotions recognized his outstanding service and bravery in specific battles:
- He was made a Brevet Major in July 1862 for his brave service at the Battle of Malvern Hill.
- He became a Brevet Lieutenant Colonel in December 1862 for his actions at the Battle of Fredericksburg.
- He was promoted to Brevet Colonel in July 1863 for his heroism at the Battle of Gettysburg.
After the Civil War ended, Bootes continued his military career. He transferred to the 16th U.S. Infantry in 1866. Later, in 1870, he was briefly assigned to the 20th U.S. Infantry. His final assignment came in 1871. He became a lieutenant colonel with the 25th U.S. Infantry. He served there until he retired from the army in October 1874.
Levi Clark Bootes passed away in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1896. He was 87 years old. He is buried in the Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery.
