Dwight, William, Jr., 1831-1888
Dates
- Existence: 1831 - 1888
Biography
William Dwight Jr., was born on July 14, 1831 in Springfield, Massachusetts. He attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point from 1849-1853 but left before graduation, becoming a manufacturer in Boston and Philadelphia. In 1861, Dwight entered military service and was commissioned Captain in the 13th Regiment, U.S. Infantry on May 14. In June 1861, he was commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel of the 7th 70th Regiment, New York Volunteers and a month later, promoted to Colonel. After being wounded three times and left for dead on the field at the Battle of Williamsburg, May 5, 1862, Dwight was made Brigadier General as a reward for gallantry. Recovered from his wounds, he returned to duty, helping to arrange the surrender of Port Hudson under General Grover, and acting as Chief of Staff under General N.P. Banks in the Red River Campaign. He was put in command of the 1st Division, 19th Army Corps in July 1864. Dwight left Army service in 1866, and removed to Cincinnati, Ohio. In association with two of his brothers, Daniel and Charles, he became a director of the White Water Valley Railroad. He died in Boston, Massachusetts on April 21, 1888.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
United States 19th Army Corps
The collection contains official correspondence, brigade reports, and record books containing copies of correspondence, circulars or notices, general and special orders and records of passes and furloughs. The material documents the United States 19th Army Corps, particularly the first division. Much of the material focuses on Gen. William Dwight.