Silas Casey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Silas Casey
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Silas Casey
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| Born | July 12, 1807 East Greenwich, Rhode Island |
| Died | January 22, 1882 (aged 74) Brooklyn, New York |
| Place of burial |
Casey farm in North Kingstown, Rhode Island
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1826–1868 |
| Rank |  Major general |
| Battles/wars | San Juan Dispute American Civil War |
| Children | Thomas Lincoln Casey Sr. |
Silas Casey (born July 12, 1807 – died January 22, 1882) was an important officer in the United States Army. He served for many years and became a major general during the American Civil War.
Early Life and First Wars
Silas Casey was born in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. He studied at the United States Military Academy and finished his studies in 1826.
He fought in the Second Seminole War from 1837 to 1842. This war was against the Seminole people in Florida. Later, he took part in the Mexican–American War. He fought bravely in battles like Battle of Contreras and Battle of Churubusco. For his courage, he received an honorary promotion to major in 1847. He was also wounded during the Battle of Chapultepec.
After the war with Mexico, Casey worked on the frontier. He helped explore new areas, even traveling to California by sailing around Cape Horn. In 1859, he was in charge of a camp during the Pig War on San Juan Island. This was a standoff between the U.S. and Great Britain over land.
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Silas Casey was quickly promoted. In August 1861, he became a brigadier general for the volunteer army. He also became a colonel in the regular army.
Casey led a division of soldiers in the IV Corps. During the Battle of Seven Pines, his division was attacked. His soldiers were new and not as well-equipped as others. They struggled in the fight. General George McClellan removed Casey from his command. After this, Casey and his former division were kept away from the main battles.
Even after this setback, Casey was promoted to major general of volunteers in July 1862. He also wrote important books called System of Infantry Tactics. These books taught soldiers how to march and fight. Both sides in the Civil War used his manuals. In 1862, he was part of a group that looked into another general's actions during a battle.
Near the end of the war, Casey received another honorary promotion to major general. He left the volunteer army in 1865 but remained a colonel in the regular army.
Life After the War
Silas Casey retired from the army in 1868. He had served for over 40 years!
After retiring, he joined several military clubs. These clubs were for veterans who had served in wars. He became a member of the Aztec Club of 1847, which was for officers who fought in the Mexican War.
Silas Casey passed away in Brooklyn, New York on January 22, 1882. He is buried at Casey Farm in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.
Family Life
Silas Casey had several sons who also became important figures. His son, Silas Casey III, became a Rear Admiral in the Navy. Another son, Thomas Lincoln Casey, was a Brigadier General in the Army. He helped finish the Washington Monument. His third son, Edward Wanton Casey, was an Army officer who died in battle.
See also
In Spanish: Silas Casey para niños
