Reuben D. Mussey Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Reuben D. Mussey Jr.
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| Born | May 30, 1833 Hanover, New Hampshire |
| Died | May 29, 1892 (aged 58) Washington, D.C. |
| Place of burial |
Oak Hill Cemetery (Washington, D.C.)
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| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
 Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1866 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Unit | 19th U.S. Infantry Regiment |
| Commands held | 100th U.S. Colored Troops |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | Lawyer, Journalist |
Reuben D. Mussey Jr. (born May 30, 1833 – died May 29, 1892) was an important figure during the American Civil War. He served as a colonel in the Union Army. He was also a respected lawyer.
Mussey played a key role in recruiting African American men to fight for the Union. These soldiers joined special units called the United States Colored Troops. After the war, he worked for President Andrew Johnson. Mussey was also married to Ellen Spencer Mussey, who became a famous lawyer herself.
Early Life and Education
Reuben D. Mussey Jr. was born in Hanover, New Hampshire, on May 30, 1833. His father, also named Reuben D. Mussey, was a doctor.
Young Reuben went to school at Dummer Academy and Phillips Academy. He then graduated from Dartmouth College in 1854. After college, he worked as a teacher and as a journalist in Boston. By 1859, he was reporting from Washington, D.C., for a newspaper called the Cincinnati Gazette.
Fighting for Freedom in the Civil War
Before the Civil War began, Mussey supported Abraham Lincoln for president in 1860. When the war started, he joined a group that helped protect the president and the White House. In May 1861, he became a captain in the U.S. Army.
Mussey strongly believed that slavery was wrong. He also felt that African American men should be allowed to join the army and fight. He even disagreed with famous generals like William T. Sherman on this point.
As a captain, Mussey worked hard to recruit African American soldiers. He was based in Nashville and helped organize these new troops. In June 1864, he was promoted to colonel of the 100th U.S. Colored Infantry. However, he stayed in Nashville to continue his important work of organizing black soldiers.
Life After the War
While in Nashville, Mussey became friends with Andrew Johnson, who was then the governor. Johnson later became President of the United States. Mussey served as President Johnson's private secretary for several months in 1865.
Mussey left the army in 1866. Soon after, he started a law practice in Washington, D.C. He also taught law as a professor at Howard University.
Reuben D. Mussey Jr. passed away in Washington, D.C., on May 29, 1892. He is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery (Washington, D.C.). He was a member of The New Church.
