Voltaire P. Twombly facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Voltaire P. Twombly
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| Born | 21 February 1842 near Farmington, Iowa Territory |
| Died | 24 February 1918 (aged 76) Des Moines, Iowa |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–65 |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Unit | 2nd Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Civil War |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
| Spouse(s) |
Chloe A. Funk
(m. 1866) |
Voltaire Paine Twombly (born February 21, 1842 – died February 24, 1918) was a brave soldier who fought for the Union Army during the American Civil War. He earned the highest military award in the United States, the Medal of Honor.
Voltaire Twombly received this special award for his amazing courage at the Battle of Fort Donelson in 1862. During the fight, he picked up his regiment's national flag after three other soldiers carrying it were hurt or killed. He kept the flag flying high, even when he was hit by enemy fire himself. Twombly also took part in many other important battles, like the Siege of Corinth and Sherman's March to the Sea.
After the war ended in 1865, Twombly went to business school. He started several businesses and later became involved in politics. He served as the treasurer for Van Buren County, Iowa, was the mayor of Keosauqua, Iowa, and even became the treasurer for the entire state of Iowa.
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Early Life and School Days
Voltaire Twombly was born on February 21, 1842. His family lived near Farmington, Iowa, which was part of the Iowa Territory back then. His father passed away when Voltaire was just a baby, so his mother raised him.
As he grew up, Voltaire went to local schools called common schools. He also studied at the Lane Academy in Keosauqua. This education helped him prepare for his future, even before he became a soldier.
Fighting in the Civil War
When President Abraham Lincoln asked for soldiers to fight against the Confederate States, Twombly joined the Union Army. This was on April 24, 1861. He became a private in Company F of the 2nd Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
His regiment traveled a lot around Missouri, protecting railroad lines. In October 1861, Twombly was promoted to corporal. He was given the important job of being part of the color guard, which protected the regiment's flag. In February 1862, his regiment joined a larger army led by Major General Ulysses S. Grant.
Bravery at Fort Donelson
On February 15, 1862, Twombly's army attacked Fort Donelson in Tennessee. This was a very tough battle. During the fight, the soldiers carrying the national flag were either killed or badly hurt by enemy fire.
Voltaire Twombly, even though he was just a corporal, quickly picked up the flag. He was knocked down by a cannonball, but he got right back up! He held the flag high for the rest of the battle. For his incredible bravery, Twombly was promoted to sergeant. Years later, in 1897, he received the Medal of Honor.
His Medal of Honor award said:
Took the colors after 3 of the color guard had fallen, and although most instantly knocked down by a spent ball, immediately arose and bore the colors to the end of the engagement.
More Battles and Promotions
Twombly continued to carry his regiment's flag during the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862. He also fought in the Siege of Corinth, Mississippi. In October 1862, he hurt his knee during the Second Battle of Corinth and had to take time off to recover.
In 1863, his regiment fought against Confederate cavalry forces led by General Nathan Bedford Forrest. Later that year, Major General William Tecumseh Sherman took command of the army. Twombly and his unit marched through Tennessee and then took part in the Atlanta Campaign and Sherman's March to the Sea.
Twombly kept earning promotions for his service. He became a first lieutenant in July 1864 and a captain in November 1864.
End of the War
In early 1865, Twombly's army marched north through the Carolinas. They fought in places like Columbia, South Carolina and Bentonville, North Carolina. He was present when Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston surrendered near Raleigh, North Carolina.
After the war ended, Twombly and his regiment marched to Washington, D.C.. They participated in a big parade called the Grand Review of the Armies. Twombly officially left the army in July 1865.
Life After the War
After leaving the army, Voltaire Twombly went to business school in Burlington, Iowa. He learned about business and then started several companies. For a few years, he worked as a flour merchant. Later, he opened his own milling company. He also worked as a merchant in Keosauqua, Iowa.
A Career in Politics
Twombly was a strong supporter of the Republican Party. In 1880, he became the treasurer for Van Buren County. This meant he was in charge of the county's money. He held this job for four years.
In 1884, Twombly was elected the Mayor of Keosauqua, Iowa. Then, in January 1885, he was elected the Treasurer of Iowa, managing the state's money. He served three terms in this important role until 1891.
After his time as State Treasurer, Twombly helped start the Home Savings Bank in Des Moines. He became the bank's director and president. He also owned part of a company that made granite and marble. Twombly retired from business in 1905.
Voltaire Twombly spent his last years in retirement. He passed away at his home in Des Moines, Iowa, on February 24, 1918.
Family and Interests
Voltaire Twombly married Chloe Funk on May 1, 1866. They had five children together. Sadly, three of their children died when they were very young. Their oldest son, William, passed away just before his seventeenth birthday. Their youngest daughter, Eva, grew up and had a daughter named Marion.
Twombly was a member of the Free Masons, a social and charitable organization. He was also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, which was a group for Civil War veterans. He was a leader in his local post of this group.
Twombly was a religious man and worshipped at the Congregationalist Church.
