William Ward Duffield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Ward Duffield
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| Superintendent of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey | |
| In office 1894–1897 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas Corwin Mendenhall |
| Succeeded by | Henry Smith Pritchett |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 19, 1823 Carlisle, Pennsylvania |
| Died | June 22, 1907 (aged 83) Washington D.C. |
| Resting place | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Education | Columbia University |
William Ward Duffield (November 19, 1823 – June 22, 1907) was an important American who worked in many different jobs. He was a leader in the coal industry and helped build railroads. During the American Civil War, he was an officer for the Union Army. After the war, he became the Superintendent of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey.
Early Life and Education
William Ward Duffield was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, on November 19, 1823. His father, George Duffield, was a well-known minister. William also had a brother, Henry M. Duffield, who became a Brigadier General.
Even though he lived in Michigan after 1836, William traveled and worked in many places. He studied at Columbia College in New York City. He graduated in 1842 as a civil engineer. Two years later, he earned a Master of Arts degree. He also studied law and became a lawyer in Detroit.
When the Mexican–American War began, William joined the U.S. Army. He served as an adjutant and later on General Gideon J. Pillow's staff. After the war, he worked as an Army paymaster in California. He even wrote two books about military science. Later, he worked as an engineer and superintendent for railroads in New York. He helped survey and build railroads in Michigan and Illinois.
Service in the Civil War
When the Civil War started, Duffield joined the 4th Michigan Infantry. He was a lieutenant colonel and fought in the First Battle of Bull Run. In September 1861, he left the 4th Michigan. He then became a colonel of the 9th Michigan Infantry.
On January 9, 1862, he was sent to Bardstown, Kentucky. There, he led a board that examined officers. From March to May 1862, he commanded the 23rd Brigade of the Army of the Ohio. He was appointed acting brigadier general on April 11, 1862. However, the United States Senate did not confirm this rank.
On May 9, 1862, he was made acting military governor of Kentucky. On July 12, 1862, Duffield arrived in Murfreesboro. He was in command of the 9th Michigan. The next day, Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest attacked the Union soldiers. This was the First Battle of Murfreesboro. During this battle, Duffield was injured. He was shot in the arm and leg. Even though he was badly hurt and bleeding, he stayed with his regiment. He only left the field when he fainted from pain and blood loss.
Later that day, General Forrest captured him. Because of his injuries, he was released on parole. This meant he promised not to fight against the Confederate States until he was officially exchanged. He was exchanged on August 27, 1862.
After the War
Duffield left the Army on February 6, 1863, and went back to Michigan. After the Civil War, he managed coal mines in Pennsylvania. He also oversaw iron mines in Kentucky. He was the chief engineer for the Kentucky Union Railroad.
From 1879 to 1880, he served as a member of the Michigan State Senate. President Grover Cleveland appointed him as Superintendent of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. He held this position from 1894 to 1898.
William Ward Duffield spent his last years in Washington, D.C.. He passed away there on June 22, 1907. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
