Samuel H. Starr
| Samuel H. Starr | |
|---|---|
Colonel Samuel H. Starr
|
|
| Nickname(s) | Paddy, Old-Paddy, Old Nose Bag |
| Born |
July 31, 1810 Leyden, New York |
| Died | November 23, 1891 (aged 81) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Place of burial | Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, District of Columbia |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America
|
| Service/branch |
 Department of War–Army
|
| Years of service | 1832–1837 1846–1870 |
| Rank |
 Colonel
|
| Commands held | 5th New Jersey Infantry 3rd Brigade, Hooker’s Division, AoP 6th U.S. Cavalry |
| Battles/wars |
|
Samuel Henry Starr (July 31, 1810 – November 23, 1891) was a career United States Army officer, regimental commander and prisoner of war. A collection of his letters provide a rare view of military life, the War with Mexico, Indian conflicts, the Civil War, his fall from grace, recovery and post Civil War service. Despite his rough demeanor he was a religious man and reflective of the times he served.
He was known for his discipline and blistering tongue-lashings directed at friend and foe who performed unsuitably in his eyes. In the later part of 1862, he saber-slapped (hit with the flat edge of his saber) an inattentive camp guard and loudly declared the soldier an "SOB." Because of his "abuse of the guard," he resigned his rank of colonel, his command and subjected himself to a rigorous religious revival then an active recruiting effort.
Forgiven by the press and apparently by the Army, he rejoined the active military as a major in command of a cavalry regiment. He commanded the Cavalry Reserve Brigade briefly, but was denied the promotion and command when another officer his junior took command. He is noted for his July 1863 actions at the Battle of Fairfield where his small cavalry regiment took on two crack Confederate Cavalry Regiments reinforced with light artillery. He was severely wounded in the melee and his right arm had to be amputated while he was a prisoner of war. "Old Paddy" was exchanged on parole in September (not November) of that year.
After a period of recovery he resumed his career to command the Cavalry Remount Camp in Maryland. Later he was a Special Inspector of Cavalry for the armies of the Potomac and the James where his insistence of doing things right contributed to a higher degree of quality and professionalism. During the post war period he served in Texas then retired as a full colonel on December 15, 1870.
Samuel Starr was born July 31, 1810, in Leyden, New York. He was the son of Benjamin John or Henry Starr (September 12, 1779 – August 19, 1852) and Achsah Maria Ely (May 24, 1787 – August 19, 1864). Samuel had eights siblings. Starr married Eliza Kurtz (May 7, 1822 – March 1, 1900) from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 21, 1841 in Leyden Township, Lewis County, New York and had several children.
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