Louis Douglas Watkins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Louis Douglas Watkins
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Gen. L. D. Watkins (1865–68)
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| Born | c. 1835 Florida |
| Died | March 29, 1868 Louisiana |
| Allegiance | .svg){kind=small} Union |
| Branch | Union Army |
| Rank |  Colonel Bvt. Brigadier general |
| Battles | |
| Spouse(s) |
Mary E. Rousseau
(m. 1864) |
| Children | ~ 2 |
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Louis Douglas Watkins (c. 1835–1868) was a brave soldier. He served in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Early Life and Beginnings
Louis Douglas Watkins was born in Florida around 1835. When he was young, he moved to Washington, D.C. He was living there when the Civil War started.
Military Service During the Civil War
Watkins joined the army on April 15, 1861. He started as a private. Soon after, he became a first lieutenant in the 14th United States Infantry. He later moved to the 5th Cavalry.
He fought in the Peninsula campaign, led by General George B. McClellan. During the Battle of Gaines' Mill, he was seriously hurt.
In July 1862, he became a captain. He worked with General Andrew Jackson Smith during the Confederate invasion of Kentucky. He then became the chief of cavalry for the Union Army of Kentucky. He also took part in General Samuel P. Carter's raid into East Tennessee in December 1862.
In February 1863, Watkins was made a colonel. He led the 6th Kentucky Cavalry. He fought in Tennessee, commanding a group of soldiers who defeated Confederate General John A. Wharton.
Watkins later commanded a brigade in the Army of the Cumberland. He helped guard the railroad during the Atlanta Campaign. He also defeated Confederate forces in the Battle of Lafayette, Georgia.
He played a key role in defending Resaca against Confederate General John Bell Hood. He then led the 1st Cavalry Division in chasing Hood's army.
After these battles, he commanded the post in Louisville, Kentucky. On June 23, 1864, he was promoted to brigadier general of volunteers. He received special honors for his bravery. These honors were for defending Resaca and for his service at the battles of Lafayette and Battle of Thompson's Station. He also received honors for his part in the expedition to East Tennessee.
In July 1866, he became a lieutenant colonel in the 20th United States Infantry. He was stationed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and New Orleans.
Personal Life
Louis Douglas Watkins married Mary E. Rousseau on August 4, 1864. Mary was the daughter of General Lovell Rousseau.
Watkins passed away on March 29, 1868. He died in either Baton Rouge or New Orleans after a short illness. He left behind his wife and two young children.
