William R. Brewster facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William R. Brewster
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| Born | July 27, 1828 Goshen, Connecticut |
| Died | December 13, 1869 (aged 41) Brooklyn, New York |
| Allegiance |  United States (Union) |
| Service/ |
 Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861-1864 |
| Rank |  Brevet brigadier general |
| Unit | Army of the Potomac |
| Commands held | Excelsior Brigade, III Corps |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | Businessman |
William Root Brewster (born July 27, 1828 – died December 13, 1869) was an important officer in the Union Army. He fought during the American Civil War. Brewster led a group of soldiers called a regiment in the famous Excelsior Brigade. This brigade was part of the Army of the Potomac. He later became the commander of the entire brigade.
One of his most well-known battles was the Battle of Gettysburg. There, his men bravely defended a key position. After the war, Brewster returned to his life as a businessman.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
William Root Brewster was born on July 27, 1828. His hometown was Goshen, Connecticut. His parents were Nelson Brewster and Lucretta Hannah Root. Later, he moved to New York State. He likely settled in the city of Brooklyn.
Joining the Civil War
When the Civil War started, Brewster joined the Union Army. In the spring of 1861, he became a major. He was part of the 28th New York State Militia in Brooklyn. His group was on guard duty along the Potomac River. Because of this, they did not fight in the First Battle of Bull Run.
Brewster went back to New York. There, he helped recruit soldiers for a new group. This group became known as the Excelsior Brigade. On September 13, 1861, Brewster became a colonel. He led the 73rd New York Infantry, which was also called the Fourth Excelsior. Many of these new soldiers were firefighters from New York and Brooklyn.
Early Campaigns
The Excelsior regiments fought in the Peninsula Campaign. This was a major military plan led by Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan. Brewster's brigade was part of the Second Division of the III Corps. During this time, Brewster was captured by the enemy. However, he was exchanged and released around August 15, 1862. Because of this, he was not present at the Second Battle of Bull Run.
Brewster commanded his regiment at the Battle of Fredericksburg. He was not able to fight in the Battle of Chancellorsville. This was probably because he was sick.
Gettysburg and Beyond
When Brewster returned to the Army of the Potomac, he took command of the Excelsior Brigade. This was under Brig. Gen Andrew A. Humphreys. Brewster led the brigade during the Gettysburg Campaign in June and July 1863.
On July 2, his brigade moved to an area near the Peach Orchard. Confederate soldiers attacked and pushed them back from this position. Brewster's horse was shot during the fighting. The remaining soldiers of his brigade helped in a counterattack later that day. They managed to get back some Union cannons that had been left behind. Brewster reported that his brigade lost 778 out of 1,837 soldiers in this battle.
After Gettysburg, Brewster became ill again. Brig. Gen. Francis B. Spinola led the brigade while Brewster recovered. Brewster returned to duty for the autumn campaigns of 1863. He was known for leading his men in the Mine Run Campaign even when he was sick.
Later War Service
The Army of the Potomac was reorganized for the Overland Campaign. Brewster kept his command of the brigade. His brigade fought in the Battle of the Wilderness. It was part of the Fourth Division of the II Corps.
Later, his brigade became the Fourth Brigade of the Third Division. He led these soldiers at the Battle of Cold Harbor. He also led them during the start of the Siege of Petersburg. This lasted until May 13, 1864. After this, his brigade was broken up. Most of the Excelsior soldiers moved to a different brigade.
Brewster continued to serve. When Brig. Gen. Régis de Trobriand was acting as division commander, Brewster led the brigade in his place. This happened from October 8 to October 21, 1864.
Colonel Brewster left the army with the 73rd New York on October 24. This was near Petersburg, Virginia. He then went back to New York. On December 2, 1864, he was given the special rank of brevet brigadier general. This was an honorary rank given for his brave service.
Life After the War
After leaving the military, William R. Brewster returned to Brooklyn. He went back to his civilian life. He was active in early meetings with the soldiers he had fought alongside.
William R. Brewster died in Brooklyn on December 13, 1869. He was 41 years old. He was buried at the Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. Many other Civil War officers are also buried there.
A monument stands at Gettysburg to honor the Excelsior Brigade. It is in the field where they fought, now called Excelsior Field. This monument was dedicated on July 2, 1893.
