William Montrose Graham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Montrose Graham
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Captain William Montrose Graham, September 1863. Library of Congress.
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| Born | September 28, 1834 Washington, D.C. |
| Died | January 16, 1916 (aged 81) Wardour, Maryland |
| Place of burial |
Congressional Cemetery
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1855–1898 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Commands held | 2nd District of Columbia Infantry 5th Artillery Regiment Second Army Corps |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Signature |  |
William Montrose Graham (born September 28, 1834 – died January 16, 1916) was a dedicated soldier in the United States Army. He rose to the high rank of major general. He bravely served in two major conflicts: the American Civil War and the Spanish–American War.
Contents
Early Life and Military Start
William Montrose Graham was born in Washington, D.C.. His father, James Duncan Graham, was a colonel in the army. William also had an uncle named William Montrose Graham, who was also a soldier. This uncle sadly died in the Mexican–American War.
William Montrose Graham joined the army in 1855. He started in the 1st Regiment of Artillery. When the Civil War began, he quickly moved up in rank. He became a captain very early in the war.
Service in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Graham showed great courage. He was recognized for his brave actions in several important battles. These included the Peninsula Campaign, the Battle of Antietam, and the Battle of Gettysburg.
For his bravery, Graham received special honorary promotions. These are called brevet promotions. He was made a brevet major after the Battle of Malvern Hill in 1862. He became a brevet lieutenant colonel after Antietam. Then, he was made a brevet colonel after Gettysburg in 1863.
His unit, the 1st U.S. Light Artillery, Battery K, was part of the famous U.S. Horse Artillery Brigade. This group was known for its speed and skill. Graham continued to serve with the regular army throughout the war. In 1865, he took on a new role as a colonel for the 2nd District of Columbia Infantry Regiment. He earned his final brevet promotion to brigadier general before the war ended.
After the Civil War
After the Civil War, Graham stayed in the United States Army. He served with different artillery units. He continued to rise through the ranks. In 1897, he became a brigadier general in the regular army.
When the Spanish–American War began in May 1898, he was promoted again. He became a major general of U.S. Volunteers. He briefly commanded the Second Army Corps. He retired from the regular army on his 64th birthday later that year.
Family Life
William Montrose Graham married Mary Brewerton Ricketts in 1860. Mary was the daughter of Major General James Brewerton Ricketts. Mary was originally named Aroostine, honoring her Native American background. Her name was later legally changed to Mary.
William and Mary had six children together. Many of their children also married into military families. For example, their daughter Mary Ricketts Graham married Vice Admiral Guy Hamilton Burrage. Another daughter, Harriet Pierce Graham, married Rear Admiral Archibald Henderson Scales. He was a Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy. Their son, William Montrose Graham Jr., also became a lieutenant.
William Montrose Graham passed away on January 16, 1916. He was buried at the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
Images for kids
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Captain William Montrose Graham, September 1863. Library of Congress.
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Signature of William Montrose Graham Jr.
