2. Early life
James Samuel Wadsworth was born on October
30, 1807 into a priveleged household in Geneseo
New York. His father owned a large plot of land
and James was ready to take inheritance and
responsibility for it. James S. Wadsworth would
study at Harvard and Yale, eventually getting
admitted into the bar. He did not practice law
however and spend the majority of his time
taking care of the family estate. Wadsworth
would get married to Mary Craig Wharton and
have the Hartford House built following their
union.
3. Political Career of James S.
Wadsworth
-- 1856
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Through his upbringings, Wadsworth became a philanthropist and the preceded
to enter politics. He was a democrat at first but then joined the Free-Soil Party
which eventually became part of the Republican party in 1856. Prior to the
war, Wadsworth participated in the Washington Peace Conference which was
in an effort to avoid war between the north and the south. However, once the
war began, Wadsworth felt it was his responsibility to serve.
4. James S. Wadsworth’s role in the
Civil War
Even though Wadsworth was inexperienced in the field of battle, he was
appointed a major general in May of 1861 in New York. After his fierce attack
at the Battle of Bull Run, Wadsworth was promoted to a brigadier general.
He eventually became head of a division of Union soldiers. His division
fought in many tough battles, including the Battle of Chancellorsville and
the Battle of Gettysburg. In May of 1864, Wadsworth and his troops were led
to the Battle of the Wilderness. There, James S. Wadsworth became injured.
He got shot in the back of the head and died a few days later after the
Confederates took him prisoner. Wadsworth’s body was returned and buried
in Geneseo, New York.
5. Legacy of James S. Wadsworth
After his death, many commended James S. Wadsworth’s bravery
during the Civil War. Republican party-former Horace Greeley
praised Wadsworth, saying “The country's salvation claimed no
nobler sacrifice than that of James S. Wadsworth, of New York....
No one surrendered more for his country's sake, or gave his life
more joyfully for her deliverance.” Wadsworth’s hometown of
Geneseo takes much pride in him and his commitment to the
country. His house, the Hartford House, is part of Geneseo’s
historical village and his grave at Temple Hill Cemetary is visited
by many. SUNY Geneseo and Geneseo’s public library come from
the philanthropy of James Wadsworth as well.
6. Impact of James S.
Wadsworth
Considered one of many great Northern
Military Leaders, James S. Wadsworth
is an important figure to the not only
the nation, but his local residence.
Geneseo New York prides itself in his
bravery and students today in the area
need to see the importance of the
history around them. Wadsworth was
a great military leader and his efforts
aided the Northern victory of the Civil
War. In an effort to be able to witness
history around you, students in the
area should definitely spend time
learning more about the local heroes,
such as James S. Wadsworth
