Lewis A. Grant facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lewis Addison Grant
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| Born | January 17, 1828 Winhall, Vermont |
| Died | March 20, 1918 (aged 90) Minneapolis, Minnesota |
| Place of burial |
Lakewood Cemetery Minneapolis, Minnesota
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1866 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General Brevet Major General |
| Unit |  1st Vermont Brigade |
| Commands held | 5th Vermont Infantry 1st Vermont Brigade |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
| Other work | Assistant Secretary of War |
Lewis Addison Grant was an important American soldier. He was born on January 17, 1828, and passed away on March 20, 1918. Before becoming a soldier, he was a teacher and a lawyer. During the American Civil War, he fought for the Union Army. Later, he even became the Assistant Secretary of War for the United States. He was a brave leader from Vermont and earned the Medal of Honor for his courage.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Lewis Grant was born in Winhall, Vermont. His parents were James and Elizabeth Grant. He went to school in Townshend, Vermont, and an academy in Chester, Vermont.
After finishing school, he became a teacher. He taught for five years in places like New Jersey and near Boston. While teaching, he also studied law. In 1855, he became a lawyer. He then started his own law office in Bellows Falls, Vermont.
Service in the Civil War
Lewis Grant joined the United States Army on September 16, 1861. He started as a major in the 5th Vermont Infantry Regiment. He quickly moved up in rank. By September 25, 1861, he was a lieutenant colonel. On September 16, 1862, he became a full colonel.
Leading the Vermont Brigade
Grant was wounded during the Battle of Fredericksburg. After recovering, he took command of the famous Vermont Brigade. He led this group of soldiers during the important Gettysburg Campaign in 1863.
On April 27, 1864, he was made a brigadier general. This was a very high rank. He also received a special honor called "brevet" major general. This was given for his brave actions in battles around Richmond, Virginia, and in the Shenandoah Valley. He left the army on August 24, 1865.
Key Battles and Commands
During the war, Grant commanded different groups of soldiers. He led the 2nd Brigade of the VI Corps for much of the war. He also sometimes commanded the entire 2nd Division of the VI Corps.
As a leader, he fought in many important battles. These included the Second Battle of Fredericksburg, the Battle of Salem Church, and the Battle of Gettysburg. He also fought in the Battle of the Wilderness, Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, and Battle of Cold Harbor.
He was part of the Siege of Petersburg. During an attack on Petersburg, he was wounded in the head. He also played a key role at the Battle of Cedar Creek. There, he led the 2nd Division against a strong enemy attack. His last major battle was the Battle of Sailor's Creek during the Appomattox Campaign.
Medal of Honor
On May 11, 1893, Lewis Grant received the Medal of Honor. This is the highest award for bravery in the U.S. military. He earned it for his amazing courage and leadership. He led his brigade in an attack at Salem Church, Virginia, on May 3, 1863. He was wounded during this brave action.
After the war, General Ulysses S. Grant (who later became president) recommended Lewis Grant for another high rank in the regular army. However, Lewis Grant decided not to accept it.
Life After the War
After the Civil War, Lewis Grant lived in different states. He lived in Illinois, then Iowa, and finally in Minnesota. His son, Ulysses Sherman Grant, became a professor of geology at Northwestern University.
Lewis Grant also served the country in a different way. He became the Assistant Secretary of War for President Benjamin Harrison. He passed away in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on March 20, 1918. He is buried in Lakewood Cemetery in that city.
