Holman S. Melcher
| Holman Melcher | |
|---|---|
Brevet Major Melcher
|
|
| 34th Mayor of Portland | |
|
In office 1889–1895 |
|
| Preceded by | Charles J. Chapman |
| Succeeded by | George W. True |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Holman Staples Melcher June 30, 1841 Topsham, Maine, U.S. |
| Died | June 25, 1905 (aged 64) Portland, Maine, U.S. |
| Resting place | Evergreen Cemetery Portland, Maine |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Alice E. Hart (1874 – 1905; his death) |
| Children | Georgiana Hill |
| Residence | Portland, Maine |
| Alma mater | Bates College |
| Profession | Soldier, politician, author |
| Religion | Baptist |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |
 United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/branch |
 United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1862 - 1865 |
| Rank | Brevet Major |
| Unit |
 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment
|
| Commands | 20th Maine Infantry |
| Battles/wars | |
Holman Staples Melcher (MEL-cher; born June 30, 1841 – June 25, 1905) was an American Union Army officer, politician, and businessman. He served two one-year terms as the Mayor of Portland, Maine from 1889 to 1890. He served as a highly respected Union officer, reaching the ranks of Lieutenant, Captain, Major, and eventually was appointed as Brevet Major. He is mostly known for his part in the bayonet charge at Little Round Top that helped repulse the Confederate attack.
He first began his formal military career in the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment, which was mustered in and equipped at Camp Mason near Portland, Maine, in August 1862. He and his regiment were assigned to the 5th Corps (1st Division, 3rd Brigade) of the Army of the Potomac, and first engaged in military combat at the Battle of Shepherdstown Ford. During the Battle of Antietam, the 20th Maine was held in reserve on a hill near the Pry Farm.
Melcher became the Union Army Lieutenant of the 20th Maine Infantry, which charged down Little Round Top at the Battle of Gettysburg. This marked the second unsuccessful assault by Confederate troops against the Union's left flank on July 2, 1863, the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg. Most of Melcher's recollections of the battles have been carefully preserved by his younger brother, Nathaniel. During the Battle of the Wilderness, Melcher lead a small company of seventeen men through a forest along the Orange Turnpike needed for strategic alignment with the adjoining company. After being completely surrounded, he ordered his men to lay on the ground and start shooting, they captured thirty confederates and sustained minor injuries.
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