Absalom Baird

Absalom Baird was a career United States Army officer who distinguished himself as a Union Army general in the American Civil War. Born on 20 August 1824 in Washington, Pennsylvania, he graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1849, initially serving in the artillery before transitioning to various staff and command roles. He also taught mathematics at West Point from 1853 to 1859. [1,2]

During the American Civil War, Baird rendered meritorious service in multiple major campaigns, including the Peninsula Campaign, the Chickamauga Campaign, and the Atlanta Campaign. His tactical leadership and bravery under fire earned him significant recognition among Union commanders, including brevet promotions. [2]

For his gallantry at Jonesborough, Georgia, on 1 September 1864, Baird was awarded the Medal of Honor on 22 April 1896. The official citation reads: “Voluntarily led a detached brigade in an assault upon the enemy's works.” His substantive rank was brigadier general; his major-general rank was by brevet. [1,2]

Baird continued serving after the war, working with the Freedmen's Bureau in Louisiana and in Army inspection appointments. He became a brigadier general in the regular Army's Inspector-General's Department in 1885. Following his observation of French Army manoeuvres in 1887, France awarded him the Commander grade of the Legion of Honour. He retired on 20 August 1888. [2]

Baird died near Relay, Maryland, on 14 June 1905, aged 80, and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. His career combined combat command with teaching and the inspection of the Army he had served for nearly four decades. [1,2]

Sources: [1] Congressional Medal of Honor Society: https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/absalom-baird [2] Cullum's Biographical Register, no. 1415, and supplements: https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Gazetteer/Places/America/United_States/Army/USMA/Cullums_Register/1415%2A.html