Melancthon S. Wade facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Melancthon Smith Wade
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|---|---|
| Born | December 2, 1802 Cincinnati, Ohio |
| Died | August 11, 1868 (aged 65) Avondale, Ohio |
| Place of burial |
Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati, Ohio
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1862 |
| Rank |  Brigadier general |
| Commands held | Camp Dennison |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Melancthon Smith Wade (December 2, 1801 – August 11, 1868) was a successful businessman and a keen gardener. He also served as a general in the Union Army during the early part of the American Civil War. He was from the state of Ohio.
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Who Was Melancthon Smith Wade?
Melancthon Smith Wade was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. His father, Daniel Everett Wade, was an officer in the American Revolutionary War. He was even a prisoner during that war.
Early Life and Business
Melancthon went to school in his hometown. After finishing school, he started a business selling dry goods. This business was very successful. It made him enough money to retire early, in 1840, when he was only 38 years old.
Serving in the Militia
While running his business, Melancthon also served in the Ohio Militia. A militia is like a local army made of citizens, not full-time soldiers. He was part of the militia from 1825 to 1849. During this time, he moved up in rank. He started as a sergeant and became a brigadier general.
Wade married Eliza Armstrong on August 27, 1823. They had five or six children together.
Joining the Civil War
When the American Civil War began in 1861, Melancthon Wade was 58 years old. Even at his age, he wanted to help the Union Army. He volunteered to serve. On October 1, he became a brigadier general. This was suggested by Ormsby Mitchel. However, the U.S. Senate never officially approved his appointment. Sadly, his wife passed away on October 27 of that same year.
Leading Camp Dennison
General Wade was put in charge of a new training camp. This camp was called Camp Dennison and was built near Cincinnati. He had a full regiment of infantry soldiers. Their job was to keep the camp safe and help train new volunteer soldiers. Many people joined the army in the early months of the war. They came to Camp Dennison to learn how to be soldiers.
Retirement and Later Life
On March 18, 1862, General Wade decided to leave the army. He was not in good health and was getting older. He went back to his home in Avondale. There, he became a fruit farmer. He also enjoyed other gardening activities with his oldest son, Melancthon Armstrong Wade.
Melancthon Smith Wade died at his home. He was buried in Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati.
