Sumner Carruth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sumner Carruth
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| Born | December 22, 1834 North Brookfield, Massachusetts |
| Died | March 10, 1892 Andover, Massachusetts |
| Place of burial |
West Parish Cemetery, Andover, Massachusetts
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| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861 – 1865 |
| Rank |  Brevet brigadier general |
| Commands held |
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| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | U.S. Customs official |
Sumner Carruth was a brave officer who served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He started as a captain and rose through the ranks to lead important groups of soldiers called brigades. He was known for his courage and leadership during many battles.
Contents
Early Life and Joining the War
Sumner Carruth was born on December 22, 1834, in North Brookfield, Massachusetts. Before the war, he worked as a machinist, building and fixing machines.
When the Civil War began, Sumner was already a leader in his local militia, a group of citizen soldiers. His company, the Chelsea Light Infantry, joined the United States Army in 1861. Sumner played a big part in convincing his company to volunteer for service.
Fighting in the Civil War
Sumner Carruth quickly became a captain in his company. He experienced his first battle at First Bull Run. This was one of the first major battles of the war.
Early Battles and Injuries
Sumner's regiment then joined the Army of the Potomac. They fought in the Peninsula Campaign, a series of battles in Virginia. His company showed great bravery at the Battle of Yorktown and the Battle of Williamsburg.
During the Battle of Seven Pines, Sumner was wounded in his arm. This injury meant he had to miss some of the later battles in the Peninsula Campaign.
Leading the 35th Massachusetts
After recovering, Sumner returned to the fight as a major in a new group called the 35th Massachusetts Infantry. He was quickly promoted to lieutenant colonel. This regiment was part of the IX Corps.
Sumner was present at the Battle of South Mountain. When his commander was wounded, Sumner took charge of the regiment. He was wounded again at the famous Battle of Antietam, near a place called Burnside’s Bridge. Later, he was captured by the enemy in November 1862, which meant he missed the Battle of Fredericksburg.
Command and Courage
After being released, Sumner became the colonel of his regiment in May 1863. He served with the IX Corps in important campaigns like the Siege of Vicksburg and in Eastern Tennessee.
Sumner showed his leadership by commanding different brigades (larger groups of soldiers) within the IX Corps. During the Battle of the Wilderness in May 1864, his brigade was in intense fighting. The weather was very hot, and Sumner suffered from sunstroke, forcing him to leave the battlefield.
End of the War and Recognition
Sumner Carruth returned to lead his regiment during the Siege of Petersburg in late 1864. He continued to lead brigades when other generals were away.
He was officially discharged from the volunteer army on June 9, 1865. For his brave and excellent service, especially during the attack on Fort Mahone in April 1865, President Andrew Johnson nominated him for an honorary promotion. He was given the title of brevet brigadier general. This means he earned the rank for his outstanding actions, even though he was a colonel when he left the army.
After the War
After the war, Sumner Carruth married Clara Smith and they had two daughters, Minnie Hale and Clara Louise. Sumner worked as a farmer and also as a customs official, helping to manage goods coming into the country.
Sumner Carruth passed away in 1892 in Andover, Massachusetts. He was buried in the West Parish Cemetery.
