Louis Wagner (American general) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Louis Wagner
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| Born | August 4, 1838 Giessen, Germany |
| Died | January 15, 1914 (aged 75) Germantown, Pennsylvania |
| Place of burial |
Ivy Hill Cemetery
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Unit | 88th Pennsylvania Infantry |
| Commands held | 5th Brigade, Pennsylvania National Guard |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | 9th Commander-in-Chief, Grand Army of the Republic |
Louis Wagner (born August 4, 1838 – died January 15, 1914) was an important American military officer. He was born in Germany. He moved to the United States when he was 11 years old.
Wagner served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. After the war, he became the 9th Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic. This was a large group for Civil War veterans.
Contents
Early Life and Joining the Army
Louis Wagner was born on August 4, 1838, in Giessen, Germany. His family moved to the United States when he was 11. He learned how to be a lithograph printer. This means he learned to print images and text using a special method.
In August 1861, Wagner joined the army. He became part of the 88th Pennsylvania Infantry. This was a group of volunteer soldiers from Pennsylvania. He was made a First Lieutenant in September 1861.
Rising Through the Ranks
Wagner quickly showed he was a brave soldier. He became a Captain of his company. During the Second Battle of Bull Run, he was hurt and captured. But he was later released and recovered in a hospital. Because he fought so well, he was promoted to Major.
Wagner was wounded again at the Battle of Chancellorsville. He went back to Philadelphia to get better. Doctors said he was not fit to fight on the battlefield anymore. Even so, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.
Helping African American Soldiers
While recovering, Wagner volunteered for a special job. He took command of Camp William Penn. This was the first United States Army training camp for African American soldiers. He stayed in charge of this camp for its entire operation. This was a very important role.
Later, Wagner was promoted to Colonel. He commanded the 5th Brigade, Pennsylvania National Guard. He served in this role until the war ended. For his excellent service, he was given the honorary rank of Brevet Brigadier General in March 1865. This means he was recognized for the rank, but it was not a full promotion.
Life After the War
After the Civil War, Louis Wagner continued to serve his community. He worked as a commissioner of public works for Philadelphia. This job involved managing public services and construction in the city.
He was also very active in the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.). This organization was made up of Union Army veterans. Wagner was one of the first members of a G.A.R. group in Germantown in 1866.
Leadership in the G.A.R.
Wagner was elected to many important roles in the G.A.R. He became the Commander of the Pennsylvania Department. He also served as Junior Vice-Commander and Commander-in-Chief in 1870. From 1871 to 1872, he was the Senior Vice-Commander-in-Chief.
In 1880, Louis Wagner was elected the 9th Commander-in-Chief of the G.A.R. This was a very high honor. He attended almost every national meeting of the G.A.R. from 1868 to 1913. He only missed two meetings during that time.
Louis Wagner passed away on January 15, 1914, at his home in Germantown. He was buried in Ivy Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia.
