Napoleon Bonaparte Buford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Napoleon Bonaparte Buford
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | January 13, 1807 Woodford County, Kentucky |
| Died | March 28, 1883 (aged 76) Chicago, Illinois |
| Place of burial |
Chippiannock Cemetery, Rock Island, Illinois
|
| Allegiance | United States (Union) |
| Service/ |
United States Army (Union Army) |
| Years of service | 1827–1835, 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Brevet major general |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Napoleon Bonaparte Buford (born January 13, 1807 – died March 28, 1883) was an American soldier. He became a Union general during the American Civil War. After the war, he worked as a railroad executive. He was the half-brother of John Buford, who was a famous hero at the Battle of Gettysburg.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Napoleon Bonaparte Buford was born in Woodford County, Kentucky. His family lived on a large farm called "Rose Hill." He was named after Napoleon Bonaparte, who was the Emperor of France at the time.
Buford went to the West Point military school. He graduated in 1827. For eight years, he served in the army's artillery unit. In 1835, he left the army to become an engineer. Later, he worked in making iron and in banking in Rock Island, Illinois. He also became the president of the Rock Island and Peoria Railroad. This railroad went out of business when the Civil War started. Many Southern states stopped paying their debts, which caused problems for the railroad.
Military Career During the Civil War
When the U.S. Civil War began, Napoleon Buford joined the Union Army. He first served as a colonel, leading the 27th Illinois Infantry. He fought in the Battle of Belmont.
Later, he led a special group called the "Flotilla Brigade." This group of soldiers fought from gunboats on the Mississippi River. They were part of the Army of the Mississippi during the Battle of Island Number Ten.
On April 16, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln made Buford a Brigadier General. This rank started on April 15, 1862. Buford then led the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, of the Army of the Mississippi. He was involved in the siege and the Battle of Corinth.
In late 1862, Buford was part of a special military court. This court found Major General Fitz John Porter guilty of not following orders. On November 29, 1862, Buford was promoted to Major General. However, this promotion ended on March 4, 1863, and he went back to being a brigadier general. For the rest of the war, Buford was in charge of the District of East Arkansas. He left the army on August 24, 1865.
On July 5, 1867, President Andrew Johnson nominated Buford for a special honorary rank. This was the rank of brevet major general of volunteers. The U.S. Senate approved this on July 19, 1867.
Family Connections
Napoleon Buford's younger half-brother was John Buford. John also graduated from West Point. He was a general in the Union Army during the Civil War. He led the 1st Division, Cavalry Corps, of the Army of the Potomac.
A cousin of Napoleon Buford, named Abraham Buford, was also a general. However, Abraham fought for the Confederate States Army during the Civil War.
Later Life and Passing
After the Civil War, Buford continued to work for the government. From 1867 to 1869, he was an inspector for the Union Pacific Railroad. He also served as a special commissioner for Native American affairs in 1867 and 1868.
Napoleon Bonaparte Buford passed away in Chicago, Illinois. He is buried in Rock Island, Illinois.
See also
Napoleon Bonaparte Buford para niños (in Spanish)
