Wheelock G. Veazey
| Wheelock G. Veazey | |
|---|---|
Wheelock G. Veazey
|
|
| Born |
December 5, 1835 Brentwood, New Hampshire |
| Died | March 22, 1898 (aged 62) Washington, D.C. |
| Place of burial | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861 - 1863 |
| Rank |
 Colonel
|
| Commands held | 16th Vermont Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
| Other work | Lawyer, Judge and politician |
Wheelock Graves Veazey (December 5, 1835 – March 22, 1898) was an American attorney, judge, and government official. Veazey served as a justice of the Vermont Supreme Court, and as a member of the Interstate Commerce Commission. During the American Civil War he received the United States military's highest decoration for bravery, the Medal of Honor.
Veazey was born in Brentwood, New Hampshire on December 5, 1835, to Jonathan and Annie (Stevens) Veazey. After being educated in the local public schools, he attended Phillips Exeter Academy, and then Dartmouth College, graduating in 1859. He studied law with Gilman Marston, graduated from Albany Law School, and was admitted to the Vermont Bar in December 1860. Veazey then began the practice of law in Springfield, Vermont.
When the Civil War began, Veazey enlisted as a private in Company A of the 3rd Vermont Infantry. He was made a captain in that regiment in May 1861, and in August was further promoted to major and then lieutenant colonel. On June 22, 1861, he married Julia Beard, daughter of a New Hampshire newspaper editor. In the latter half of 1862 he returned to Vermont to raise a new regiment. On September 27 he was promoted to colonel and elected commander of the newly formed 16th Vermont Infantry.
He led this unit at the Battle of Gettysburg on July 3, 1863, and twenty eight years later, on September 8, 1891, he received the Medal of Honor for his actions during that engagement. His official citation reads: "Rapidly assembled his regiment and charged the enemy's flank; charged front under heavy fire, and charged and destroyed a Confederate brigade, all this with new troops in their first battle." He finished his service as chief of staff to General William Farrar Smith In 1863, he left the army, and returned to Vermont.
...
Wikipedia