Simeon T. Josselyn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Simeon T. Josselyn
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From Volume 1 of 1902's Deeds of Valor
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| Born | January 14, 1842 Buffalo, New York |
| Died | April 04, 1905 Skagway, Alaska |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States (Union) |
| Service/ |
Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861-1864 |
| Rank | First lieutenant |
| Unit | Company C, 13th Illinois Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Spouse(s) | Henrietta E. "Ettie" Cutler (m. 1869-1905, his death) |
| Children | 1 |
Simeon T. Josselyn (born January 14, 1842 – died April 4, 1905) was a brave soldier in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He earned the highest award for bravery, the Medal of Honor, for his amazing actions at the Battle of Missionary Ridge.
Contents
Simeon's Early Life and Army Service
Simeon Truman Josselyn was born in Buffalo, New York, on January 14, 1842. His parents were Samuel J. Josselyn and Rebecca (Teachout) Josselyn.
When the American Civil War began, Simeon joined the Union Army. He signed up on April 21, 1861, in Amboy, Illinois. He quickly showed his skills and became a sergeant. In November 1862, he was made a second lieutenant. A year later, in November 1863, he became a first lieutenant. He left the army in June 1864.
A Hero at Missionary Ridge
Simeon Josselyn received the Medal of Honor for his incredible bravery. This happened on November 25, 1863, during the Battle of Missionary Ridge in Tennessee. He was leading his company, Company C of the 13th Illinois Infantry.
His company was spread out as "skirmishers," which means they were scouting ahead. Lieutenant Josselyn suddenly came across a large group of enemy soldiers. He managed to capture many of them as prisoners.
Even more amazingly, Lieutenant Josselyn personally shot the enemy's "Color Bearer." This was the soldier carrying the unit's flag. Josselyn then grabbed the flag himself and brought it back to his own regiment. The flag he captured belonged to the 18th Alabama Infantry. This flag was later sent to the War Department and eventually returned to the State of Alabama.
In this brave act, Josselyn alone captured nine men from the enemy's flag guard. These men were taken back to the Union lines as prisoners.
Life After the War
After the war ended, Josselyn started a new life. He first worked for the Illinois Central Railroad. Later, he moved to Omaha, Nebraska. In Omaha, he worked as an accountant and paymaster for the Union Pacific Railroad. He also served as the company secretary for the Omaha Fire Insurance Company. Eventually, he started his own insurance business, called S. T. Josselyn & Company.
Josselyn was a member of several important groups. These included the Grand Army of the Republic, which was for Union Civil War veterans.
Later in his life, Josselyn moved to Skagway, Alaska. There, he worked as an auditor for the White Pass and Yukon Route railway. He split his time between Skagway and Seattle, Washington, where his wife and daughter lived.
His Family and Legacy
In 1869, Simeon Josselyn married Henrietta E. "Ettie" Cutler. They had one daughter named Blanche.
Simeon T. Josselyn passed away in Skagway, Alaska, on April 4, 1905. He was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Omaha, Nebraska. A small community in Dawson County, Nebraska, called Josselyn, Nebraska, was named in his honor.
