History of Boalsburg, (Centre County) Pennsylvania United States of America

Our database does not include an historic photo for Boalsburg, (Centre County) Pennsylvania, do you have one you would like to contribute? Contact Us!

James S. Brisbin, soldier, was born at Boalsburg, Pa., May 23, 1837. He received a classical education, was editor of the Centre Democrat, Bellefonte, Pa., studied law, and was admitted to the bar. At the outbreak of the civil war, he enlisted in the army as a private, and soon afterwards received a commission as 2d lieutenant. In the battle of Bull Run, July, 1861, he was severely wounded, and in August, 1861, was promoted captain in the 6th U.S. cavalry. In May, 1862, he was with the army of the Potomac, serving bravely at Malvern Hill and the other battles of the Peninsular campaign, and also in the Blue Ridge expedition. For action at Beverly Ford, Va., June 9, 1863, he was promoted brevet major U.S.A. In July, at Gettysburg, he commanded the Pennsylvania state cavalry, and joined Banks's Red river expedition as chief of cavalry on the staff of Gen. A. L. Lee. He was wounded at Sabine cross roads, April 8, 1864, returned north and was chief of staff to General S. G. Burbridge in his operations in Kentucky and Tennessee. He was made brigadier-gen-eral of volunteers for gallantry at Marion, Tenn., and shortly afterward commanded the department of Kentucky. In 1865 he operated against Jeff Thompson in Arkansas as commander of a brigade of cavalry. In 1866 he was mustered out of the volunteer service with the rank of major-general of volunteers, and rejoined the 6th U. S. cavalry as captain. In January, 1868, he was promoted to the rank of major of the 2d cavalry, in 1885 to that of lieutenant-colonel of the 9th cavalry, and on Aug. 20, 1889, to that of colonel of 1st cavalry. On April 22, 1891, he was transferred to the 8th cavalry. He contributed letters and articles on topics relating to the far west to many leading periodicals. He died at Philadelphia, Pa., Jan. 14, 1892.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

History of Boalsburg, (Centre County) Pennsylvania

Biographies: