Robert Cowdin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Cowdin
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Robert Cowdin
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| Born | September 18, 1805 Jamaica, Vermont |
| Died | July 9, 1874 (aged 68) Boston, Massachusetts |
| Place of burial |
Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861 - 1863 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Robert Cowdin (September 18, 1805 – July 9, 1874) was an important person in American history. He was a successful businessman and a brave soldier. He fought for the Union Army during the American Civil War. He also worked as a politician in Boston, Massachusetts.
Contents
Robert Cowdin's Early Life
Robert Cowdin was born on September 18, 1805, in Jamaica, Vermont. His parents were Angier and Abiah Cowdin. When he was 20 years old, Robert moved to Boston. There, he started a successful business selling lumber. Before the Civil War, he was part of the state militia. This was like a local army. He also served on the city council in Boston for eight years. He held other elected jobs in the city's justice system too.
Robert Cowdin in the Civil War
When the Civil War began, Robert Cowdin was already a colonel. He led the 2nd Massachusetts Militia Regiment. On May 25, 1861, he became the colonel of the 1st Massachusetts Infantry. This was a very important role.
Key Battles and Leadership
Colonel Cowdin led his soldiers in many big battles early in the war.
- He fought at the Battle of Blackburn's Ford in July 1861.
- He was also part of the First Battle of Bull Run. During this battle, his horse was sadly killed under him.
- He also saw action in battles like Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Glendale, Malvern Hill, and Chantilly.
Becoming a General
On September 26, 1862, Robert Cowdin was given a special promotion. He was made a Brigadier General of Volunteers. This happened because General Joseph Hooker recommended him. As a general, he commanded a group of soldiers. They were part of the defenses around Washington, D.C. He led them from October 1862 to March 1863. However, his promotion was not made permanent by the U.S. Senate. So, his rank went back to colonel. He then returned home to Massachusetts and did not serve in the war anymore.
After the War
After the Civil War, Robert Cowdin continued his work in politics. For the next 11 years, he served ten times on the Common Council and Board of Aldermen in Boston. These were important roles in the city government. He also became the Captain of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts. This is a very old and respected military organization. Robert Cowdin passed away on July 9, 1874, in Boston. He was buried in Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
