William Gurney facts for kids

William Gurney (born August 21, 1821 – died February 2, 1879) was an important soldier and leader from New York and South Carolina. He was known for his bravery during the American Civil War and for his involvement in Freemasonry, a special kind of club that focuses on friendship and helping others.

William Gurney's Early Life

William Gurney was born in 1821 in a place called Flushing, Long Island. His family had roots in the Quaker community, which is a religious group known for its peaceful beliefs.

Before the Civil War

In 1837, when he was about 16, William Gurney moved to New York City. He started working as a clerk in a big store. Over time, he became a partner in the business and later even led his own company, Gurney & Underhill. He also helped start the Five Points Mission in New York City, which was a place that helped people in need.

Military Career

William Gurney was always interested in military groups, even before the big war. He was part of the Eighth Regiment and later the Seventh Regiment.

Starting as a Soldier

When the American Civil War began, William Gurney joined the Seventh Regiment for three months. After that, he became a captain in the Sixty-fifth Regiment, New York Volunteers.

In 1862, he got a special job helping the governor. He had to check if people applying to be officers in New York's military were good enough for the job.

Leading His Own Regiment

On July 10, 1862, William Gurney was given permission to create his own regiment. In just 30 days, he gathered enough soldiers to form the 127th New York Volunteer Infantry. This group was officially organized on Staten Island on September 8, 1862. Gurney then led this new unit into battle.

Later in 1862, he was put in charge of the Second Brigade. By 1863, he was leading a whole division of soldiers in the Department of Virginia.

Wounded in Action

In 1864, William Gurney joined General Q.A. Gillmore's forces, who were fighting along the coast of South Carolina. In December 1864, near Charleston, he was badly wounded at a place called Denoe's Neck. He had to go North for medical care to recover.

After he got better, he went back South. He was given the important job of commanding the post at Charleston. While he was in this position, he worked with Stephen Atkins Swails, who was the first African American officer to be given a special commission.

After the War Ended

Because of his bravery in battle, William Gurney was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. He returned to New York in July 1865 and was officially released from military service.

The 127th New York Volunteers, the regiment he had created, finished their three years of service and were released on June 30, 1865.

Life After the War

After the Civil War, William Gurney moved back to Charleston with his family. He started a new career as a merchant and a cotton factor. A cotton factor was someone who bought and sold cotton for others, helping farmers get their crops to market.

In 1870, William Gurney was chosen to be the Treasurer of Charleston County. He was also a member of the Electoral College in 1872, representing South Carolina. The Electoral College is a group of people who officially elect the President and Vice President of the United States. He also served as a Commissioner from South Carolina for the Centennial Exposition, a big world's fair held in 1876 to celebrate 100 years of American independence. He lived in Charleston until about 1878, when he moved North because of his health.