Nelson G. Williams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nelson Grosvenor Williams
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| Born | May 4, 1823 Bainbridge, New York |
| Died | November 30, 1897 (aged 74) Brooklyn, New York |
| Place of burial |
Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861-1862 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 3rd Iowa Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Nelson Grosvenor Williams (born May 4, 1823 – died November 30, 1897) was an important figure during the American Civil War. He served as an officer in the Union Army. Later in life, he worked as a customs agent in New York City.
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Nelson Williams' Early Life and Moves
Nelson Williams was born in Bainbridge, New York. When he was 16, he was accepted into the West Point military school in 1839. However, he left after only a year because he struggled with math.
After leaving West Point, Williams became an importer in New York City. This meant he bought goods from other countries and sold them in the U.S. In 1855, he decided to move to Iowa. He first worked as a storekeeper in Dubuque. Eventually, he settled down on a farm in Dyersville.
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Nelson Williams joined the Union Army. On June 26, 1861, he was made a colonel and put in charge of the 3rd Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He served under General Stephen A. Hurlbut in Missouri. During this time, his unit was involved in some smaller fights.
In December 1861, Colonel Williams faced a military review. He was accused of not being brave enough in battle. However, after an investigation, he was found innocent and cleared of all charges.
The Battle of Shiloh
In February 1862, Colonel Williams' unit joined General Ulysses S. Grant's Army of West Tennessee. His group became the 4th Division. Williams was given command of the 1st Brigade. He led his soldiers into one of the biggest battles of the war, the Battle of Shiloh.
During the early part of the fighting at Shiloh, Williams' horse was shot. The horse fell on him, causing him to get hurt. Because of his injury, he had to give up command of his brigade. Colonel Isaac C. Pugh took over for the rest of the battle.
Williams spent several weeks recovering from his injuries. He resigned from the army on November 27, 1862. Two days later, on November 29, 1862, he was appointed a brigadier general. However, the U.S. Senate did not approve this promotion. This was because he was no longer actively serving in the army. So, Williams returned to his life as a civilian.
Life After the War
After the Civil War, Nelson Williams went back to his farm in Iowa. He stayed there until 1869. That year, his former commander, Ulysses S. Grant, became President of the United States. President Grant appointed Williams to a new job in New York City. He became a deputy collector of customs. This meant he helped collect taxes on goods coming into the country.
Nelson Williams held this important job for 25 years. He lived in Brooklyn, New York, and passed away at his home there in 1897.
