Rufus King (general) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rufus King
|
|
|---|---|
A photograph of King taken between 1855-1865
|
|
| 5th United States Minister to the Papal States | |
| In office January 8, 1864 – August 17, 1867 |
|
| President | Abraham Lincoln Andrew Johnson |
| Preceded by | Richard M. Blatchford |
| Succeeded by | Diplomatic relations severed |
| 17th Adjutant General of New York | |
| In office January 1839 – January 1843 |
|
| Preceded by | Allan Macdonald |
| Succeeded by | Lyman Sanford |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 26, 1814 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Died | October 13, 1876 (aged 62) New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Resting place | Grace Episcopal Churchyard, Jamaica, New York |
| Spouses |
Ellen Eliot
(m. 1836; died 1838)Susan Eliot
(m. 1843–1876) |
| Children | Rufus, Jr. Charles |
| Parents |
|
| Signature | .png){kind=small} |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Army New York Militia United States Volunteers Union Army |
| Years of service | 1833–1836 (USA) 1839–1843 (NY) 1861–1863 (USV) |
| Rank | Brigadier General, USV |
| Commands | Iron Brigade |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Rufus King (born January 26, 1814 – died October 13, 1876) was an important American figure. He worked as a newspaper editor, a public servant, and a diplomat. He was also a soldier during the American Civil War.
King became a brigadier general (a high-ranking army officer) for the Union Army. He helped create the famous group of soldiers known as the Iron Brigade. Later, he served as the U.S. ambassador to the Papal States (a part of Italy ruled by the Pope). He helped catch someone involved in the plot to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln. Before all this, he was also on the first board of regents for the University of Wisconsin.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Rufus King was born in New York City, New York. His father, Charles King, was the president of Columbia College. Rufus King was also the grandson of another famous Rufus King. This grandfather was a delegate to the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention. He also served as a U.S. Senator from New York.
King went to the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated in 1833, ranking fourth in his class. He joined the U.S. Corps of Engineers. However, he left the army in 1836. He then became a civil engineer for the New York and Erie Railroad.
From Engineering to Journalism
After three years, King decided to change his career. He became a newspaper editor. He worked for the Albany Daily Advertiser and the Albany Evening Journal. These newspapers were run by Thurlow Weed, a key figure in New York's Whig Party.
In 1839, Governor William H. Seward appointed King as the adjutant general of the New York State Militia. He held this important military role until 1843.
Family Life
In 1836, Rufus King married Ellen Eliot. Sadly, she passed away two years later, and they did not have any children. Five years later, King married Ellen's sister, Susan Eliot. They had two sons together.
His son, Rufus King Jr., became an officer in the Union Army. He was even awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery. His other son, Charles King, also became a brigadier general. He served during the Spanish–American War and later became a writer of Western novels.
Life in Wisconsin
In 1845, Rufus King moved from New York to the Wisconsin Territory. There, he was involved in many different activities. He was a member of the 1848 Wisconsin constitutional convention, helping to shape the state's laws.
He also continued his work in journalism. He was an editor and part owner of the Milwaukee Sentinel and Gazette newspaper. King also worked in education. He was the superintendent of schools in Milwaukee from 1859 to 1860. He also served as a regent for the University of Wisconsin from 1848 to 1854.
King even helped organize the first three baseball games played in Wisconsin. These games took place in Milwaukee in the winter of 1859.
Service in the Civil War
In 1861, President Abraham Lincoln appointed Rufus King as the U.S. ambassador to the Papal States. As he was traveling to Rome, the Civil War began in the United States. King decided to take a break from his diplomatic role to join the Union Army.
He was made a brigadier general in the Wisconsin militia in April 1861. Then, in May, he became a brigadier general of U.S. Volunteers. He was given permission to create a Wisconsin regiment (a large group of soldiers).
King helped put together what became known as the famous Iron Brigade. This group included soldiers from Wisconsin and Indiana. He briefly commanded this brave brigade.
Leading a Division
In March 1862, King was promoted to command a larger group of soldiers called a division. This division included the Iron Brigade. His division first saw action in the Second Battle of Bull Run in August 1862.
During this battle, King's division was attacked by Confederate forces. King suffered from epileptic seizures, which made it hard for him to command. He handed over command of his division to Brig. Gen John P. Hatch. Hatch then led the division through the rest of the battle and into the Maryland Campaign.
After this, King served in other roles. He was in charge of Fort Monroe in Virginia. He also served as the military governor of Norfolk. His epileptic seizures became more frequent. In October 1863, King resigned from the army. He then took up his role as the U.S. ambassador to the Papal States. He served there until 1867. While in Rome, he played a key part in finding and capturing John Surratt, who was involved in the Lincoln assassination plot.
Later Years and Legacy
After returning to New York from Rome in 1868, King worked for two years as a deputy customs comptroller for the Port of New York. However, his health continued to decline. He retired quietly and lived in New York City until he passed away on October 13, 1876. He is buried in Grace Churchyard in Jamaica, New York.
Today, Rufus King International High School in Milwaukee is named after him. The school's sports teams are known as the Generals, honoring his military rank.
See also
- List of American Civil War generals (Union)
Images for kids
-
Rufus King's signature
