Sylvanus T. Rugg facts for kids

Sylvanus Tunning Rugg (1834 – May 4, 1881) was an important officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He led a group of cannons, called an artillery battery, in famous battles like Gettysburg. He also fought in other parts of the war later on.

Early Life and Military Start

Sylvanus Rugg was born in Taunton, Massachusetts in 1834. When the Civil War began, he joined the army. He quickly became a "second lieutenant" in the 2nd U.S. Artillery. This was a starting officer rank. He got this promotion on October 22, 1862. It seems he worked his way up from being a regular soldier, as he didn't go to a special military school.

Fighting at Gettysburg

Rugg was in charge of Battery F, 4th U.S. Artillery, during the Battle of Gettysburg. This group of cannons was part of the XII Corps. His battery arrived at Gettysburg on July 1, 1863. They moved to a spot near Hanover Road to help other Union soldiers.

His battery had 120 men and six "Napoleons." These were powerful 12-pounder cannons. On July 2, they helped cover a gap in the Union lines. On July 3, they were placed near the Baltimore Pike. From there, they fired at Culp's Hill, where Confederate soldiers had taken over. Their powerful firing helped push the Confederates back.

During the battle, one of Rugg's men was hurt by an enemy cannonball. This happened during a big attack before Pickett's Charge. Today, a monument for Battery F stands on the Gettysburg battlefield. You can find it where Hunt Avenue and the Baltimore Pike meet.

Later War Service and Death

Rugg continued to serve in the Union Army through the fall of 1863. His group was then sent to the Western Theater, which was a different area of the war. He left the army on July 22, 1864.

Sylvanus Rugg passed away on May 4, 1881. He died from a kidney disease called Bright's disease. He was in Minneapolis, Minnesota when he died. He was buried at the Minneapolis Pioneers and Soldiers Memorial Cemetery.