William S. Tilton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William S. Tilton
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| Born | February 11, 1828 Newburyport, Massachusetts |
| Died | March 23, 1889 (aged 61) Newtonville, Massachusetts |
| Place of burial |
Mount Auburn Cemetery Cambridge, Massachusetts
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1864 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 22nd Massachusetts Infantry Regiment 1st Brigade, 1st Division, V Corps |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | Manufacturer and merchant |
William Stowell Tilton (February 1, 1828 – March 23, 1889) was an American businessman. He also became a brave soldier during the American Civil War. He led groups of soldiers called regiments and sometimes even larger groups called brigades. Tilton and his soldiers fought in many important battles. One of the most famous was the Battle of Gettysburg. His actions there caused some debate later on.
Contents
Early Life and Work
William Tilton was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts. He went to school in his hometown. Before the war, he worked as a manufacturer and a merchant. This means he made and sold goods.
Joining the Civil War
In 1861, William Tilton joined the army. He started as a first lieutenant in the 22nd Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Soon after, he was promoted to major.
Early Battles
Tilton fought in the Peninsula Campaign in 1862. This was a big military plan led by Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan. During the Battle of Gaines' Mill, Tilton was hurt in the shoulder. He was also captured by the enemy. Luckily, he was exchanged later that year.
While he was captured, he became a lieutenant colonel. He then led his regiment at the Battle of Antietam. This was one of the bloodiest single-day battles in American history.
Leading a Regiment
Tilton became a colonel in October 1862. He then led the 22nd Massachusetts Infantry at the Battle of Fredericksburg. In 1863, he continued to lead his regiment. He also fought in the Battle of Chancellorsville.
When his general, Charles Griffin, went on leave, Tilton took charge of the First Brigade. This meant he was leading an even larger group of soldiers.
The Battle of Gettysburg
Tilton led his brigade at the famous Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863. His soldiers were placed near the Peach Orchard and the Wheatfield. These were key areas of the battlefield.
A Difficult Decision
During the battle, Tilton's group was under heavy attack. His commander told him and another leader they could retreat. Tilton later said he checked the area. He saw a large Confederate force coming. Because of this, he ordered his soldiers to pull back.
This retreat left a gap in the Union army's line. Some soldiers and leaders later questioned if this was the right choice. It became a debated topic.
Aftermath of Gettysburg
On July 3, Tilton's brigade took over from another group of soldiers. This group had fought bravely to defend Little Round Top. Tilton reported that his brigade had lost 109 soldiers out of 474. Other estimates say he lost 125 out of 655 men. This was a lower percentage of losses compared to some other brigades.
Later Campaigns
After Gettysburg, Tilton continued to lead his brigade for a while. He then went back to leading his regiment. In 1864, the army was reorganized for Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's Overland Campaign. Tilton led his regiment in many more battles, including:
- The Battle of the Wilderness
- The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House
- The Battle of Cold Harbor
- The early parts of the Siege of Petersburg
He also fought in the battles of Jerusalem Plank Road and Globe Tavern.
Tilton left volunteer service in October 1864. Later that year, President Abraham Lincoln honored him. Tilton was given the honorary rank of brevet brigadier general. This was for his excellent service during the war.
Life After the War
After the Civil War, General Tilton joined several groups. In 1866, he became a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts. He also joined the Massachusetts Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.
From 1869 to 1883, Tilton worked as the governor of the National Soldiers' Home in Togus, Maine. This home helped soldiers who had served in the war. He later retired to his home in Boston, Massachusetts.
William Tilton passed away in Newtonville, Massachusetts. He was buried at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
