William H. Penrose facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Henry Penrose
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William Penrose as brigadier general
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| Born | March 10, 1832 Sackett's Harbor, New York |
| Died | August 29, 1903 (aged 71) Salt Lake City, Utah |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1896 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 15th New Jersey Infantry First New Jersey Brigade |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | mechanical engineer |
William Henry Penrose (March 10, 1832 – August 29, 1903) was an important officer in the United States Army. He served during the American Civil War with the Union Army. Penrose became a brigadier general and led the brave soldiers of the First New Jersey Brigade.
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Early Life and Start in the Army
William Penrose was born in Sackett's Harbor, New York. His father was also an army officer. William later moved to Michigan. There, he became an engineer, working on civil and mechanical projects.
When the Civil War began in 1861, Penrose joined the army. He started as a second lieutenant in the 3rd U.S. Infantry. He quickly saw action in some big battles. These included the Seven Days Battles, Second Bull Run, and Battle of Fredericksburg.
Leading the 15th New Jersey Infantry
In early 1863, Penrose became the adjutant for his regiment. This meant he helped with important administrative tasks. On April 18, he was promoted to colonel. He then took command of the 15th New Jersey Infantry.
Penrose led his new regiment in several major battles. These included the Battle of Marye's Heights, the Battle of Gettysburg, and the Battle of the Wilderness. In these battles, he sometimes took charge of the 1st Brigade, which was part of the VI Corps.
Special Recognition for Bravery
For his outstanding actions in these battles, Penrose received "brevet" promotions. A brevet promotion is a special honor. It means an officer is recognized for a higher rank, even if they don't get the full pay or command of that rank yet. It shows great bravery and skill.
Key Civil War Campaigns
During the Battle of Spotsylvania in 1864, Penrose took permanent command of the 1st Brigade. He continued to lead them through tough fights. These included the battles of Cold Harbor and Jerusalem Plank Road.
Defending Washington D.C.
Later, Penrose and his brigade were sent to help defend Washington D.C. They were part of the VI Corps. Here, they fought in the Battle of Fort Stevens. This battle was important because it helped protect the nation's capital.
Fighting in the Shenandoah Valley
After defending Washington, Penrose and the VI Corps joined the Army of the Shenandoah. They fought in the Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1864. This campaign involved many battles in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley.
For his actions at the Battle of Cedar Creek, Penrose earned another brevet promotion. This time, he was recognized as a brigadier general of U.S. Volunteers.
The Final Push and End of the War
Penrose and his troops then returned to the Army of the Potomac. They were part of the Petersburg Front. During the long Siege of Petersburg, the VI Corps was chosen to lead the final attack on the Confederate lines.
In this attack, Penrose was wounded in the hip. But he was incredibly brave and kept leading his brigade. He continued to command them through the battles of Sayler's Creek and Appomattox Court House. At Appomattox, he received another brevet promotion, this time to brigadier general in the Regular Army.
After the Civil War
In June 1865, Penrose received a full promotion to brigadier general of volunteers. He left the volunteer forces in 1866. However, he decided to stay in the U.S. Army.
He served in different infantry regiments, including the 12th, 16th, and 20th U.S. Infantry. While with the 12th Infantry, he commanded Fort Sully in Dakota Territory.
Penrose retired from the army in 1896. He then moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. He passed away there on August 29, 1903. William Penrose and his wife, Harriet Elizabeth, are buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Images for kids
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William Penrose as brigadier general
