Lewis Ledyard Weld facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lewis Ledyard Weld
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|---|---|
| 1st Secretary of State of Colorado | |
| In office 1861–1862 |
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| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Samuel Hitt Elbert |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 13, 1833 Hartford, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Died | January 10, 1865 (aged 31) Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Education | Yale College |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Unit | United States Colored Troops Army of the James |
Lewis Ledyard Weld (May 13, 1833 – January 10, 1865) was an important American lawyer, politician, and soldier. He served as an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Weld played a key role in the early days of the Colorado Territory.
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Early Life and Education
Lewis Ledyard Weld was born in Hartford, Connecticut, on May 13, 1833. He was the third son of Lewis Weld.
He attended Yale College and graduated in 1854. After college, he spent two years teaching. Then, he decided to study law. He studied law in Cleveland, Ohio and New York City. In 1857, he officially became a lawyer.
A Career in Law and Politics
From 1858 to 1859, Lewis Weld worked as a lawyer in Leavenworth, Kansas. During this time, he strongly opposed the Lecompton Constitution. This was a controversial plan for Kansas to become a state.
Later, he moved to the area near Pikes Peak and settled in Denver, Colorado. He continued to practice law there.
Founding the Colorado Territory
In 1861, the Colorado Territory was officially created. Lewis Weld was chosen to be the first Secretary of State of Colorado. This was a very important job. For a while, he also served as the Acting Governor. He worked hard to keep the national government strong in the territory. Weld County, Colorado is named after him.
Service in the Civil War
In 1862, Lewis Weld decided to leave his political job. He wanted to join the military and fight in the American Civil War. While waiting for a military position, he worked as an editor for the Denver Commonwealth newspaper.
In October 1863, he passed an exam to become a Major. He later became a Lieutenant Colonel in the 41st U.S. Colored Troops. These were regiments of African American soldiers. He served in Maryland, South Carolina, and Florida. He also served with the Army of the James near Richmond, Virginia.
A Family's Sacrifice
Sadly, Lewis Weld died on January 10, 1865. He passed away in Virginia from a serious illness. The illness was caused by being exposed to harsh conditions during his service.
Lewis's brother, Charles Theodore Weld, also fought in the Civil War. Charles died in May 1863 from wounds he received. He was hurt during the Battle of Chancellorsville in Virginia. In 1865, a special monument was built in Hartford's Old North Cemetery. It honors both Lewis and Charles Weld.
This article incorporates public domain material from the Yale Obituary Record.
