Luther Prentice Bradley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Luther Prentice Bradley
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Col. Luther Prentice Bradley
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| Born | December 8, 1822 New Haven, Connecticut |
| Died | March 13, 1910 (aged 87) Tacoma, Washington |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
 United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865, 1866–1886 |
| Rank |  Brigadier general |
| Commands held |  51st Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment 13th Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Luther Prentice Bradley (born December 8, 1822 – died March 13, 1910) was an American soldier. He became a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was known for his bravery and leadership in several important battles. After the war, he continued to serve in the U.S. Army, helping to build forts in the American West.
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Early Life and First Steps
Luther Bradley was born in New Haven, Connecticut, on December 8, 1822. He learned basic military skills by serving in the Connecticut militia. He was a lieutenant for a short time. However, his mother did not want him to serve because he was her only son.
In 1855, Bradley moved to Chicago, Illinois. There, he started a book business. He also continued his military interest, becoming a captain in the 1st Illinois Militia. Later, he was a lieutenant colonel in a group called the "Chicago Legion."
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began in 1861, Bradley decided to join the Union side. His mother was against it at first. But he wrote her a letter explaining why he felt he needed to serve his country.
On November 6, he was made a lieutenant colonel in the 51st Illinois Infantry Regiment. He fought with his regiment under Major General Don Carlos Buell. They helped capture Island Number Ten in New Madrid, Missouri. They also took part in occupying Nashville, Tennessee.
Rising Through the Ranks
On October 15, 1862, Bradley was promoted to colonel. That winter, he fought in the Battle of Stones River. In September 1863, he commanded a brigade during the Battle of Chickamauga. He was badly wounded during this battle.
Bradley was then made a brigadier general in the Union Army. This rank started on July 30, 1864. He took part in the Atlanta Campaign. During this time, he led a brigade in the Army of the Cumberland.
Battles in Tennessee
Bradley fought in Tennessee at the Battle of Spring Hill on November 28, 1864. He was wounded again during this battle. Because of his injury, he could not lead his brigade in the Battle of Nashville. This important battle happened on December 15 and 16.
After the War
After the Civil War ended in 1865, Bradley left the volunteer army. On July 28, 1866, he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the new 27th US Infantry. He married Ione Dewey in 1867.
He became a full Colonel in 1879. His wife, Ione, traveled with him to different places in the Indian Country. This was from the start of their marriage until 1886. Bradley helped build several forts in the western United States. These forts were used during the American Indian Wars. He also attended the Centennial Exposition in 1876 as an official representative for the Army.
Bradley retired on December 8, 1886. He retired because he reached the age of 64, which was the required retirement age then. He passed away in Tacoma, Washington, in 1910. He is buried in Section 2 of Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
