Samuel P. Spear facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Samuel P. Spear
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| Born | 1815 Boston |
| Died | May 4, 1875 (aged 59–60) New York City |
| Place of burial |
Cypress Hills National Cemetery
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| Allegiance | United States Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1833–1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Unit | 2nd U.S. Cavalry Regiment |
| Commands held | 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment 2nd Brigade, Cavalry Division, Army of the James |
| Battles/wars | Seminole Wars Mexican–American War |
Samuel Perkins Spear (1815 – May 4, 1875) was an American soldier. He fought in three major conflicts: the Seminole Wars, the Mexican–American War, and the Civil War.
Contents
Early Military Career
Samuel Spear joined the army in 1833. He served in the 2nd Dragoons and later the 2nd Cavalry Regiment. During this time, he was promoted from a private soldier to a first sergeant.
Fighting in Early Wars
Spear took part in the Seminole Wars, which were conflicts in Florida. He also fought in the Mexican–American War. A notable battle he was involved in was the Battle of Cerro Gordo. This battle was a key part of the American advance into Mexico.
Service in the Civil War
Spear left the regular U.S. Army on August 6, 1861. Soon after, he joined the volunteer forces. He was made a lieutenant colonel in the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment. By August 20, 1862, he was promoted to colonel.
Leading His Regiment
As a colonel, Spear led his regiment in several important actions. One of his first commands was at the Joint Expedition Against Franklin on October 3, 1862. His regiment was part of the XVIII Corps. This corps served in the Department of Virginia and North Carolina.
Commanding a Brigade
Later, Spear was given command of a larger group of soldiers, called a brigade. This brigade was part of the Army of the James. He led his brigade in several major battles during the Siege of Petersburg. These included the Second Battle of Ream's Station in August 1864. He also commanded at the Battle of Fair Oaks & Darbytown Road in October 1864.
The Battle of Five Forks
One of his last battles was the Battle of Five Forks on April 1, 1865. This was a very important battle near the end of the Civil War. During this fight, Spear was wounded. He resigned from the volunteer army shortly after, on May 9, 1865.
Becoming a Brevet General
On January 13, 1866, President Andrew Johnson recognized Spear's bravery. He nominated Spear to be a Brevet brigadier general. This special rank was given for his leadership at the Battle of Fair Oaks & Darbytown Road. The United States Senate confirmed this honor on March 12, 1866.
After the Civil War
After the Civil War, Samuel Spear continued his involvement in military-like groups. He joined the Fenian Movement in America. This group supported Irish independence. He became a Major-general in their Irish Republican Army.
Fenian Raids into Canada
In June 1866, Spear led the eastern part of the Fenian Army. They marched from St. Albans, Vermont, into Canada. This was part of the Fenian raids, which were attempts to pressure the British government. He also served as the Fenian Secretary of War for a few years.
