Marcellus M. Crocker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marcellus Monroe Crocker
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Brig. Gen. Marcellus M. Crocker
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| Born | February 6, 1830 Franklin, Indiana |
| Died | August 26, 1865 (aged 35) Washington, D.C. |
| Place of burial |
Woodland Cemetery, Des Moines, Iowa
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861 - 1865 |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 4th Division, XVII Corps |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Marcellus Monroe Crocker (born February 6, 1830 – died August 26, 1865) was an important general. He served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He is best known for his actions in the war's Western Theater.
Contents
Life and Military Career
Early Life and Education
Marcellus Crocker was born in Franklin, Indiana. He started studying at the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1847. However, he left after his second year. Later, he studied law and became a lawyer in Des Moines, Iowa.
Joining the Civil War
When the Civil War began, Crocker joined the army. He became a captain in the 2nd Iowa Infantry in May 1861. On December 30, 1861, he was promoted to colonel. He led the 13th Iowa Infantry.
Key Battles and Promotions
Crocker fought bravely at the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862. He took command of a larger group of soldiers called a brigade on the first day. He also led the "Iowa Brigade" at the Second Battle of Corinth in October 1862. He was promoted to brigadier general on November 29, 1862.
Vicksburg Campaign and "Crocker's Greyhounds"
The next year, General Crocker took part in the Vicksburg Campaign. He led a quick attack in Mississippi. His brigade was very well trained and disciplined. They were known for marching very fast. Because of this, they earned the nickname "Crocker's Greyhounds."
Later, he took command of a larger unit called a division. This happened when General Isaac Ferdinand Quinby became sick. Crocker led his division into battle at the Battle of Jackson. He also played a key role at the Battle of Champion Hill. He received much praise for his actions in that battle.
Health Challenges and Final Years
Throughout his time in the army, General Crocker suffered from a serious illness. He called it "my old bronchial difficulty." In May 1864, he became very ill while traveling. He was going to join General William Tecumseh Sherman for the Atlanta Campaign. Crocker offered to resign from the army.
However, the Secretary of War, Stanton, did not accept his resignation. Stanton said the country needed such a valuable officer. Instead, Crocker was offered a new assignment in New Mexico Territory. People thought the dry climate there might help his health. Crocker accepted this new role gladly.
His health did improve in New Mexico. By late 1864, he asked to return to active fighting. General Ulysses S. Grant supported his request. Grant said Crocker was one of the best division commanders he had ever seen. Crocker was ordered to report to General George Henry Thomas in Nashville.
He arrived in St. Louis in April 1865, but he was very sick again. He could not continue to his new assignment. He asked to leave the service once more. He was given a 90-day leave. He was also asked to report directly to the War Department about matters in the Southwest.
In late summer, Crocker reported to the War Department. But his health continued to get worse. He passed away at Willard's Hotel in Washington, D.C. on August 26, 1865. He is buried in Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines, Iowa.
Honors and Legacy
Crocker School in Des Moines was named after him. It stood from 1870 until about 1962. The city's present-day Crocker Street is also named in his honor. A bronze statue of General Crocker stands at the Vicksburg National Military Park.
