George Alexander Forsyth | |
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Brevet Brig. Gen. George A. Forsyth
|
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Nickname(s) | Sandy |
Born |
Muncy, Pennsylvania |
November 7, 1837
Died | September 12, 1915 Rockport, Massachusetts |
(aged 77)
Place of burial | Arlington National Cemetery |
Allegiance |
United States of America Union |
Service/branch |
U.S. Regular Army; Union Army |
Years of service | 1861–1890 |
Rank | Brevet Brigadier General |
Unit |
8th Illinois Cavalry 9th U.S. Cavalry 4th U.S. Cavalry |
Battles/wars |
American Civil War American Indian Wars |
George Alexander Forsyth (November 7, 1837 – September 12, 1915) was a United States military officer most notable for his service in the cavalry.
Forsyth was born in Muncy, Pennsylvania. He attended Canandaigua Academy and moved to Illinois before the American Civil War.
Forsyth enlisted April 19, 1861 as a private in Barker's Company, Chicago Volunteer Dragoons (a 3-month regiment) and mustered out August 18, 1861.
He received a commission as a first lieutenant in the 8th Illinois Cavalry on September 18, 1861, followed by promotions to captain on February 12, 1862, and major on September 1, 1863. He saw action in all major campaigns fought by the Army of the Potomac. He also fought in many cavalry actions in the Shenandoah Valley, where he served as aide-de-camp Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan and received a brevet promotion to colonel on October 19, 1864, for his service at Third Winchester and Cedar Creek. He was appointed a brevet brigadier general of volunteers on March 13, 1865, part of a widespread ceremonial promotion of officers at the end of the war.