Stephen Gardner Champlin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Stephen Gardner Champlin
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Stephen Gardner Champlin
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| Born | July 1, 1827 Kingston, New York |
| Died | January 24, 1864 (aged 36) Grand Rapids, Michigan |
| Place of burial |
Fulton Street Cemetery, Grand Rapids, Michigan
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1863 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 3rd Michigan Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Stephen Gardner Champlin (born July 1, 1827 – died January 24, 1864) was a very talented American. He was a doctor, a lawyer, a judge, and a soldier. He fought for the Union Army during the American Civil War. He became a brigadier general before he passed away from injuries he got in battle.
Early Life and Different Jobs
Stephen Champlin was born in Kingston, New York. His parents were Jeffrey Clarke Champlin and Allis Ellen. He went to local public schools. Later, he studied at an academy in Rhinebeck.
In 1842, Stephen started studying medicine. By 1845, he was working as a doctor in Wawarsing. But he decided to change his career.
In 1848, he stopped being a doctor. He began studying to become a lawyer. He attended the State and National Law School. In 1850, he finished his studies and became a lawyer. He started his law practice in Albany, New York.
On January 1, 1851, Stephen married Mary E. Smedes. They had one son named Alexander. In 1853, the Champlin family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan. Stephen worked as a lawyer there. In 1856, he was elected a judge. He served as a judge for two years.
He was also active in Michigan's state militia. In 1856, he became a captain of the Grand Rapids Light Artillery. In 1858, he was elected a major in the militia. That same year, he became the Prosecuting Attorney for Kent County. This meant he was the main lawyer for the government in that area.
Fighting in the Civil War
When the American Civil War started in 1861, Stephen Champlin joined the Union Army. On June 10, he became a Major in the 3rd Michigan Infantry. This group of soldiers was formed in Grand Rapids. They left the city on June 13.
On August 30, Champlin led a scouting mission near Bailey's Corners in Virginia. He did a great job. The Union Army commander, Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan, praised him. McClellan sent a message thanking Major Champlin for his excellent work. On October 28, Champlin became the commander of the 3rd Michigan. He was promoted to colonel.
Wounds and Promotions
In 1862, Champlin took part in the Peninsula Campaign. He was wounded in his hip at the Battle of Seven Pines on May 31. He took 30 days off to recover. His actions in this battle were again praised by his commanders.
Champlin led his regiment again at the Second Battle of Bull Run in August. He was injured again during the battle. His old hip wound reopened. While he was recovering, he received a big promotion. On November 29, 1862, he became a brigadier general.
In 1863, General Champlin was given command of a "Draft Depot" in Ohio. This was a place where new soldiers were organized. But this order was changed because of his health. Instead, he was assigned to a Draft Depot closer to his home in Grand Rapids. His hip wound continued to bother him. He officially left the Union Army on November 8, 1863.
Stephen Champlin died in early 1864 at his home. He passed away from the wounds he received in the war. His funeral was held in Grand Rapids. He was buried in Fulton Street Cemetery. A group of Civil War veterans, the Grand Army of the Republic, named their local post in Grand Rapids after him to honor his service.
