Peter V. Hagner facts for kids

Peter Valentine Hagner (born August 28, 1815 – died March 11, 1893) was an important officer in the United States Army. He worked with military weapons and supplies for over 40 years. He was honored with the rank of Brigadier General.

Early Life and Military Training

Peter Valentine Hagner was born in Washington, D.C. His father, also named Peter Hagner, worked as a government auditor. An auditor is someone who checks financial records.

Peter V. Hagner studied at the United States Military Academy at West Point. This famous school trains future army officers. After graduating, Hagner first joined the artillery, which uses large guns. Then he worked with engineers who map land. Finally, in 1838, he joined the Ordnance Department. This department handles all military weapons and ammunition. He stayed in this important role for the rest of his career.

Service in the Mexican-American War

When the Mexican–American War began, Hagner was a First Lieutenant. He was part of the siege artillery company. This company used big guns to attack enemy forts.

Hagner showed great bravery and skill during battles. He helped capture Mexico City in 1847. For his excellent actions, he was given special honors. He was promoted to the temporary ranks of captain and then major. These special promotions are called "brevets."

Before the Civil War

In the years leading up to the American Civil War, Hagner was in charge of several arsenals. An arsenal is a place where weapons and military supplies are stored and maintained. His job was to make sure all the weapons and equipment were in good working order.

Hagner was known as a calm and fair soldier. He believed in keeping the United States together. Because of his good reputation, the government chose him for a very important job. He was put in command of the St. Louis Arsenal when the Civil War was about to begin.

The St. Louis Arsenal and the Civil War

The St. Louis Arsenal was a key location. It held many valuable weapons and supplies. Both sides in the war, the Union (who wanted to keep the country united) and Confederate supporters (who wanted to separate), wanted control of it. Even small groups of fighters, called guerrillas, tried to take it over.

While Hagner was in charge, he limited access to the arsenal. A Union Army Captain named Nathaniel Lyon wanted to use the arsenal's weapons. Lyon planned to arm groups who supported the Union. He was very angry when Hagner denied him full access. Lyon even threatened to "pitch him in the river."

After Abraham Lincoln became president, Lyon used his political connections. He asked his friend Francis Preston Blair Jr., whose brother was a high-ranking official, to help him. Lyon wanted Hagner removed from his command so he could take over. Because of this pressure, Hagner was eventually replaced.

Later Military Career and Retirement

By March 1862, Hagner was working on a special committee. This group dealt with contracts for military weapons and claims related to them. He then became an inspector. His job was to check factories that made small arms, like rifles, for the government.

In late 1863, Hagner was promoted to lieutenant colonel. He took command of the Watervliet Arsenal. He stayed there until the war ended. For his service during the war, he was again given a special temporary promotion to brigadier general.

Peter Valentine Hagner retired from the Army in 1881. At that time, he held the full rank of Colonel in the Ordnance Department.

Personal Life

Peter Hagner married Susan S. Peyton. She was from Richmond, Virginia. Hagner was buried at Oak Hill Cemetery (Washington, D.C.) in Washington, D.C.

See also

• Missouri secession