Robert Franklin Beckham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Franklin Beckham
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Robert Franklin Beckham
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| Born | May 6, 1837 Culpeper, Culpeper County, Virginia |
| Died | December 5, 1864 (aged 27) Ashwood, Maury County, Tennessee |
| Buried |
St. John's Churchyard, Ashwood, Maury County, Tennessee
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| Allegiance |  United States of America Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1859–61 (USA) 1861–64 (CSA) |
| Rank |  Second Lieutenant (USA) Colonel (CSA) |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Robert Franklin Beckham (born May 6, 1837 – died December 5, 1864) was a skilled artillery officer. Artillery officers are soldiers who command large guns, like cannons. He led a special group of horse artillery, which means cannons that could be moved quickly by horses. He served under famous generals like J.E.B. Stuart and in the Army of Tennessee during the American Civil War. Sadly, he was seriously wounded near Columbia, Tennessee, just before the Battle of Franklin in November 1864, and he died a few days later.
Early Life and Education
Robert Franklin Beckham was born in Culpeper, Virginia. He attended the United States Military Academy, often called West Point. This is a very famous school where people train to become officers in the United States Army.
He graduated from West Point in 1859. He was a very smart student, ranking 6th out of 22 students in his class. After graduating, he became a lieutenant in the United States Engineers. This was a group of soldiers who built important things like bridges and forts. He worked there until 1861, when the Civil War began.
Service in the Civil War
When the American Civil War started, Robert Beckham joined the Confederate Army. He was a brave leader of an artillery battery, which is a group of cannons. He led his battery in one of the war's first major battles, the First Battle of Bull Run.
In January 1862, he joined the team of General Gustavus W. Smith. He played an important part in the Battle of Seven Pines. Later, he was offered the chance to become a captain of a group called the Jeff Davis Artillery. However, he chose to continue working as an ordnance officer, which meant he managed weapons and supplies.
Leading Horse Artillery
Robert Beckham was known for his bravery. After another officer, Major John Pelham, died in April 1863, General J.E.B. Stuart asked Beckham to lead the Stuart Horse Artillery. This was a very important job because horse artillery could move quickly to different parts of the battlefield.
Beckham earned praise from famous generals. Stonewall Jackson was impressed by him at the Battle of Chancellorsville. General Stuart also praised Beckham for his courage at the Battle of Brandy Station. Besides being brave, Beckham was also good at organizing and making sure his artillery units were well-equipped.
Final Days
In February 1864, Beckham was sent to the western part of the war. He was put in charge of the artillery for the II Corps of the Army of Tennessee. He was promoted to the rank of colonel, which is a high rank in the army.
While leading his cannons near Columbia, he was seriously wounded on November 29, 1864. This happened just one day before the big Battle of Franklin. Robert Franklin Beckham died from his wounds a few days later, on December 5, 1864. He was buried in St. John's Churchyard in Ashwood, Tennessee.
