Samuel Ovenshine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Samuel Ovenshine
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Colonel Samuel Ovenshine, c. 1898
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| Born | April 2, 1843 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Died | July 5, 1932 (aged 89) Washington D.C. |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
 United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1899 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 23rd Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War Indian Wars Spanish–American War Philippine–American War |
| Awards | Silver Star |
Samuel Ovenshine (born April 2, 1843 – died July 5, 1932) was an important officer in the United States Army. He became a brigadier general, which is a high rank, and served during the Philippine–American War.
Contents
Samuel Ovenshine's Early Life and Military Start
Samuel Ovenshine was born in Philadelphia on April 2, 1843. He was studying to become a lawyer when the American Civil War began. This big war changed his plans. On September 25, 1861, he joined the army as a first lieutenant in the 5th U.S. Infantry Regiment. He served in places like Kansas and New Mexico. By the end of the Civil War, he had become a captain.
Service in the Indian Wars
Ovenshine continued to serve with the 5th U.S. Regiment during the Indian Wars. His unit was at the front of Alfred H. Terry's group after the famous Battle of the Little Bighorn. He also served with Nelson A. Miles's forces at the Battle of Bearpaw Mountain.
Promotions and New Commands
On July 10, 1885, Ovenshine was promoted to major in the 23rd United States Infantry. He commanded the post at Fort Davis in 1890. He then became a lieutenant colonel of the 15th United States Infantry Regiment on January 31, 1891. On April 26, 1895, he was promoted to colonel of the 23rd United States Infantry Regiment.
Service in the Philippines
Colonel Ovenshine and his 23rd U.S. Regiment were sent to the Philippines during the Spanish–American War. They were part of Wesley Merritt's Eighth Army Corps. By the time Ovenshine arrived, the fighting against Spain had mostly stopped. However, new conflicts were starting between the U.S. Army and the Filipino people.
Brigadier General and Retirement
By the end of September 1898, Ovenshine was promoted to brigadier general of volunteers. He took command of the 2nd Brigade in Arthur MacArthur's 1st Division. Ovenshine led his brigade during the Battle of Manila in 1899 and the Battle of Zapote Bridge. He earned a Silver Star medal for his brave actions in these two battles. On October 18, 1899, he was promoted to brigadier general in the U.S. Army. Just two days later, he retired from service.
Later Life
General Ovenshine and his wife, Sallie Yeatman Thompson, had seven children. He passed away in Washington D.C. on July 5, 1932. He was buried in Section 1 of Arlington National Cemetery.
