Thomas H. Neill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Hewson Neill
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | April 9, 1826 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Died | March 12, 1885 (aged 58) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Place of burial |
West Point Cemetery
|
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1847-1883 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General Brevet Major General |
| Commands held | 23rd Pennsylvania Infantry 6th US Cavalry Regiment Commandant of Cadets |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Thomas Hewson Neill was a brave general from Pennsylvania. He fought in the American Civil War and was part of the Army of the Potomac. He helped lead important battles during the war.
Contents
Early Life and Training
Thomas Neill was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 9, 1826. He went to local schools and then studied at the University of Pennsylvania. Later, he joined the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.
He graduated from West Point in 1847. After graduating, Neill worked on the frontier, often with the 5th U.S. Infantry. He also taught at West Point for a short time. When the Civil War began, Neill was a captain.
Fighting in the Civil War
When the Civil War started, Thomas Neill worked for different generals. Soon, he became a colonel and led the 23rd Pennsylvania Infantry. He led his troops in important battles like the Peninsula Campaign and the Seven Days Battles. During the Battle of Malvern Hill, Neill was hurt in his ankle.
Later, Neill became a brigade commander. A brigade is a large group of soldiers. He fought at the Battle of Fredericksburg. He was promoted to brigadier general in April 1863.
Key Battles and Leadership
During the Chancellorsville Campaign, Neill's brigade led the attack at the Second Battle of Fredericksburg. This battle is also known as the Second Battle of Marye's Heights. His troops helped push back the Confederate army. His brigade also fought in the Battle of Salem Church. Neill's horse was shot from under him during a tough fight to cross the Rappahannock River.
At the Battle of Gettysburg, Neill's troops were on the far right side of the Union army. They fought against Confederate soldiers on Wolf Hill. A road called Neill Avenue in the Gettysburg National Military Park is named after him. After Gettysburg, Neill led a group of soldiers and artillery to chase the Confederate army.
Later War Service
In 1863-1864, Neill kept leading his brigade. He took command of his division when his general was wounded. This was during the Overland Campaign led by General Ulysses S. Grant. Later, Neill became a staff officer and then an inspector general for General Philip Sheridan. He served in the Valley Campaigns of 1864.
Neill received special promotions for his service in the war. He became a brevet major general of volunteers and a brigadier of regular soldiers.
After the War
After the Civil War, Neill returned to his regular rank as a major. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1869. Later, he became a cavalry commander, leading the 6th U.S. Cavalry starting in 1879.
Neill also served as the commandant of cadets at West Point for four years. This means he was in charge of the students there. He served in Texas before he retired in 1883 due to a disability.
Thomas Neill passed away in Philadelphia on March 12, 1885. He is buried at West Point.
