Milton Cogswell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Milton Cogswell
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|---|---|
| 40th Mayor of Charleston | |
| In office March 9, 1868 – 1868 |
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| Preceded by | William Wallace Burns |
| Succeeded by | George Washington Clark |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 4, 1825 Noblesville, Indiana, US |
| Died | November 20, 1882 (aged 56) Washington, D.C. |
| Resting place | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Alma mater | United States Military Academy |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States Union |
| Branch/service | United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1849–1871 |
| Rank |  Major, USA Colonel, USV Bvt. Brigadier General |
| Unit | 4th United States Infantry 8th U.S. Infantry 21st U.S. Infantry |
| Commands | 42nd New York Infantry 2nd New York Heavy Artillery |
| Battles/wars | American Indian Wars American Civil War |
Milton Cogswell (December 4, 1825 – November 20, 1882) was an important officer in the United States Army. He served in the military for many years. He also briefly held the position of mayor in Charleston, South Carolina.
Contents
Early Life and Military Training
Milton Cogswell was born on December 4, 1825, in Noblesville, Indiana. When he was old enough, he went to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. This is a famous school that trains future army officers.
He graduated from West Point in 1849. After graduating, he became a Second Lieutenant in the 4th United States Infantry.
First Army Assignments
In 1850, Cogswell was sent to serve on the frontier. The frontier was the edge of settled areas in the western United States. He served with the 8th Infantry during this time.
Later, he was called back to West Point. From 1850 to 1856, he worked as an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at the academy.
Service During the Civil War
When the American Civil War began in 1861, Milton Cogswell joined the active fighting. In July 1861, he was made a Colonel. He led the Forty-Second New York Volunteers.
Captured in Battle
During the Battle of Ball's Bluff, Colonel Cogswell was captured by the Confederate army. He was held as a prisoner in Libby Prison. This was a well-known Confederate prison in Richmond, Virginia. He stayed there until he was part of a prisoner exchange. This meant he was traded for a Confederate soldier held by the Union army.
After the War
After the Civil War ended, Cogswell continued his military service. He was assigned to duty in Baltimore, Maryland. He also worked as an Acting Judge-Advocate for the Department of North Carolina. This role involved military law.
Mayor of Charleston
On March 9, 1868, Milton Cogswell was appointed as the Provisional Mayor of Charleston, South Carolina. A provisional mayor is a temporary mayor. He served in this role from March to July of that year.
During his time as mayor, he was also in charge of civil affairs in Summerville. This meant he helped manage the town's government and public services.
Later Military Career and Retirement
After his time as mayor, Cogswell continued to serve in the military. He had various duties in the Southern states and on the Western frontier. He served until 1871.
In 1871, he retired from active service. He retired because of a disability he got while on duty.
Death and Burial
Milton Cogswell passed away on November 20, 1882. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. This famous cemetery is located in Arlington, Virginia. Many important military figures are buried there.
