W. H. L. Wallace facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Hervey Lamme Wallace
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W.H.L. Wallace
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| Born | July 8, 1821 Urbana, Ohio |
| Died | April 10, 1862 (aged 40) Savannah, Union-occupied Tennessee |
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| Allegiance | United States Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1846–1847, 1861–1862 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War |
William Hervey Lamme Wallace (born July 8, 1821 – died April 10, 1862) was an important American soldier. He was a lawyer who became a general for the Union Army during the American Civil War. Many people, including General Ulysses S. Grant, thought he was one of the best generals the Union had.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William H.L. Wallace was born in Urbana, Ohio, on July 8, 1821. His parents were John and Mary Lamme Wallace. In 1840, his family moved to Mount Morris, Illinois. They moved so that William could get a better education at a school called Rock River Seminary.
Becoming a Lawyer and Soldier
Wallace wanted to study law. He joined a law practice in Ottawa, Illinois, with a man named Theophilus Lyle Dickey. Dickey was a friend of Abraham Lincoln. In 1846, Wallace became a licensed lawyer.
That same year, he joined the army as a private. This was during the Mexican–American War. He quickly became a second lieutenant. He fought in the Battle of Buena Vista. After this war, he worked as a district attorney, which is a lawyer who works for the government.
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Wallace joined the army again. He started as a private in the 11th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Soon, he was chosen to be the colonel, or leader, of his unit.
Battles and Promotions
Wallace quickly moved up in rank. In 1862, he led a group of soldiers at the Battle of Fort Donelson. This battle was very important. Many soldiers in his division were pushed back. But Wallace stayed calm and led his troops well. Another general, Lew Wallace, noticed how calm he was. Lew Wallace said he looked like "a farmer coming from a hard day's plowing." The two generals found out they had the same last name and had both led their state's 11th regiments.
Because of his brave actions at Fort Donelson, Colonel Wallace was made a brigadier general. This is a very high rank in the army.
The Battle of Shiloh
Later, General Wallace was given command of a larger group of soldiers, called a division. This happened during the trip to Savannah, Tennessee. At the Battle of Shiloh, Wallace was a new division commander. Even so, he and his soldiers fought bravely for six hours. They were right next to a famous spot called the Hornet's Nest.
When his division was completely surrounded by the enemy, he told his soldiers to retreat. Many of them escaped safely. However, General Wallace was badly wounded. His soldiers found him barely alive on the battlefield.
His Final Moments
His troops carried him to his wife, Martha Ann. She had arrived that very morning to surprise him. She helped care for him as they traveled to General Grant's headquarters. General Wallace died three days later. He was with his wife when he passed away. His last words were, "We meet in heaven." He is buried in LaSalle County, Illinois, in Ottawa.
His brother, Martin R. M. Wallace, also became a general later on.
Family Life
In 1851, William H.L. Wallace married Martha Ann Dickey. She was the daughter of Theophilus Lyle Dickey, the lawyer he had worked with.
Legacy
In 1868, Wallace County, Kansas, was named in his honor. This shows how much he was respected.
Images for kids
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W.H.L. Wallace
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Rank insignia for a Union Army Brigadier General
