Birney, David Bell (1825-1864)

Name:

Birney, David Bell (1825-1864)

Born:

05/29/1825

Birthplace:

Huntsville, AL

Died:

10/18/1864

Death Location:

Philidelphia, PA

Residence:

Huntsville, AL
KY
Cincinati, OH
MI
PA

Nationality:

American

Occupation:

buisnessman, lawyer, soldier

Father:

James G. Birney (02/04/1792 - 11/25/1857)

Mother:

Elizabeth Potts Fitzhugh (m1840)

Notes:

Born to anti-slavery father who published The Philanthropist in Cincinati.
Family forced to move often due to threats from pro-slavery people.
After grad from Philips Academy, Birney went into business, then studied law and was admitted to the bar.
Established law practice in Phillidelphia 1856-1861.
Studied military texts pre-war, just in case.
After Ft. Sumter, Birney joined 23rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regt as Lt. Colonel. He raised the unit mostly at his own expense.
Promoted to Colonel (08/31/1861) then Brig General (02/17/1862). Considered to be due to political influence.
Commanded a brigade of the III Corps in the Penninsular Campaign (03-07/1862).
Accused of disobeying orders at Battle of Seven Pines and court-martialed, but acquitted.
Took over for KIA division commander after 2nd Battle of Bull Run, 09/01/1862.
Fought at Fredericksburg (12/11-12/15/1862), allegedly refused to support George Meade, but not disciplined due to commendation from George Stoneman.
Fought at Chancellorsville (05/01-05/05/1863), suffering 9% of the entire army's casualties for the battle.
Fought at Gettysburg (07/01-07/03/1863), where his division was almost entirely wiped out. (not his fault) Took over command of the III Corps until 02/1864, when the commander was wounded.
Battle of the Wilderness, 05/05 - 05/07/1864.
Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, 05/08 - 05/21/1864.
Battle of Cold Harbor, 05/31 - 06/12/1864.
Given command of X Corps, Army of the James, 07/23/1864.
Fell ill during siege of Petersburg, ordered home, and died three months later. Conflicting sources on disease: malaria, dysenterry, typhoid.