Roger Hanson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Roger Weightman Hanson
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Gen. Roger W. Hanson
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| Born | August 27, 1827 |
| Died | January 4, 1863 (aged 35) |
| Allegiance | United States of America Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1863 (CSA) |
| Rank |  1st Lieutenant (USV)Brigadier General (CSA) |
| Unit | 4th Kentucky Volunteers |
| Commands held | 2nd Kentucky Infantry Regiment Orphan Brigade |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War |
Roger Weightman Hanson (born August 27, 1827 – died January 4, 1863) was an important leader, a brigadier general, in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. He led the famous "Orphan Brigade" and was sadly injured in battle, passing away later. People often called him "Old Flintlock."
Contents
Early Life and Adventures
Growing Up in Kentucky
Roger Hanson was born in Clark County, Kentucky. His father, Samuel Hanson, was a lawyer and judge who came from Sweden. His mother, Matilda Calloway, was the daughter of a general. Roger had a brother, Charles S. Hanson, who fought for the Union Army during the Civil War.
Young Soldier and Lawyer
When Roger was 18, he joined the army as a lieutenant in the 4th Kentucky Regiment. This was during the Mexican–American War. He showed great bravery in the Battle of Cerro Gordo. After the war, he returned home to study law in Lexington, Kentucky.
During this time, he was injured in a disagreement, which left him with a limp for the rest of his life. After he recovered, Hanson traveled to California. He even had to walk over 200 miles to San Francisco because he lost his horse! He came back to Kentucky within a year. In 1853, he married Virginia Peters.
Entering Politics
A year later, Hanson moved to Lexington and started a successful law business. He became interested in politics and was elected to the Kentucky state legislature. In 1857, he tried to become a member of the United States House of Representatives but did not win. In 1860, he was one of the people chosen to vote in the Electoral College for Kentucky.
Civil War Service
Kentucky's Neutrality and the "Orphan Brigade"
When the Civil War began, Kentucky decided to stay neutral and remain part of the Union. Roger Hanson became a colonel and gathered a group of Confederate soldiers in Lexington. Because Kentucky was neutral, his regiment had to join the army in Tennessee.
When President Abraham Lincoln sent Union troops into Lexington, Hanson's Confederate 2nd Kentucky Infantry Regiment could not go home. They became known as "orphaned" because they were far from home.
Prisoner of War and Promotion
Hanson's regiment was captured when the Confederates surrendered Fort Donelson to Union Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant. After being a prisoner for seven months, Hanson was released. His friends gave him a new horse to celebrate.
His regiment decided to keep fighting in the war. In December 1862, Hanson was promoted to brigadier general. He commanded his old regiment, along with several other Kentucky and Alabama regiments, and an artillery unit.
Battle of Stones River and Legacy
In his first battle as a general, Hanson was severely injured on January 2, 1863. This happened during a charge at the Battle of Murfreesboro. He was hit in the leg by a piece of an artillery shell. He passed away two days later at the age of 35. His last words were, "I die in a just cause, having done my duty."
General John C. Breckinridge wrote that Hanson was a wonderful officer. He said Hanson was loved by his friends and cared deeply for his soldiers. Roger Hanson was buried in the Lexington Cemetery in Lexington, Kentucky.
Remembering General Hanson
The General Roger W. Hanson Camp #1844 in Winchester, Kentucky, which is part of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, was named in his honor.
Further read
