William High Keim facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William High Keim
|
|
|---|---|
William High Keim
|
|
| Surveyor General of Pennsylvania | |
| In office May 1, 1860 – December 20, 1861 |
|
| Preceded by | John Roe |
| Succeeded by | Henry Souther |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania's 8th district |
|
| In office November 30, 1858 – March 3, 1859 |
|
| Preceded by | J. Glancy Jones |
| Succeeded by | John Schwartz |
| 2nd Mayor of Reading, Pennsylvania | |
| In office 1848–1849 |
|
| Preceded by | Peter Filbert |
| Succeeded by | George Getz |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 13, 1813 Reading, Pennsylvania |
| Died | May 18, 1862 (aged 48) Harrisburg, Pennsylvania |
| Political party | Whig |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Branch/service | United States Army Pennsylvania Militia Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1862 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
William High Keim (born June 13, 1813 – died May 18, 1862) was an important person in Pennsylvania history. He was a member of the Republican Party. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives. He also became a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Contents
William Keim's Early Life and Career
William High Keim was born on June 13, 1813. His family lived near Reading, Pennsylvania. He was the nephew of another important person, George May Keim.
As a young man, William Keim went to Mount Airy Military School. This school helped him learn about military life. He later became a major general in the state militia. A militia is like a local army made of citizens.
Keim's Political Roles
William Keim held several important jobs in government. In 1848, he became the Mayor of Reading. This meant he was in charge of the city.
Later, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives. This is part of the U.S. Congress, where laws are made. He filled a short-term spot in 1858. From 1860 to 1862, he also served as the Surveyor General of Pennsylvania. This job involved mapping and managing land.
William Keim and the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, William Keim joined the Union Army. He first signed up for three months. Because he knew Governor Andrew Curtin, he quickly became a major general. This happened on April 20, 1861.
After his first three months were over, he left the army. He went back home to Reading.
Returning to Service and His Death
The war continued for longer than many expected. William Keim decided to join the army again. This time, he planned to serve for three years.
Governor Curtin made him a brigadier general on December 20, 1861. Sadly, General Keim became very sick while serving. He caught typhus, a serious illness. He died in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1862. He was buried in the Charles Evans Cemetery in Reading.
Images for kids
-
William High Keim
