Born December 5 1839 in New Rumley, Ohio. During his childhood spent a fair amount of time with half sister and brother in law in Monroe, Michigan. Graduated from West Point Military College 1857, rated last in class. During his involvement in the civil war, he flourished and impressed Major George B McClellan in which he joined his staff and made important contacts.
He became a Major General before he was 25 years in 1864 and was nicknamed the boy general. Some of the battles he was involved in were the Battle of Bull Run, Battle Of Yellow Tavern, Battle Of Chancellors Ville, Appomattox, Gettysburg, Battle Of Culpeper Court House, Virginia(in which he was wounded) In total he was involved in 18 battles. He flourished in the civil war. Married in 1864, February 9 to Elizabeth Bacon. After her husband’s death she wrote memoirs about her time with General Custer. Keeping his memory alive. Never remarried. Interestingly, she outlived him by 57 years, dying on April 4 1933.
He was present at the surrender of Robert E Lee to General Ulysses Grant on April 9 1865. Once the civil war finished he was a Major General of The United States Volunteers but disbanded in February 1866. On June 3 1865, he commanded the 2nd division of cavalry to Texas for reconstruction duties. In July 1866, he became Lieutenant Colonel of the 7th Cavalry stationed at Fort Riley. In 1867 he was on the frontier to control the Native American Indians. Wild Bill Hickock and William F Cody were known to scout for the cavalry in 1867/1868. In 1867 he was trialled at Fort Leavenworth with charges of leaving his post without leave and with no authority from his superiors.
When Custer and his troops arrived at Fort Wallace, Kansas, he found his comrades short of food, medical supplies and ammunition (this fort was harassed by the Indians regularly) and there was a cholera outbreak. Custer decided to take 75 of his men to Fort Harker to obtain supplies. Other charges were to do with the treatment of deserters. He was found guilty of misconduct and suspended for a year without pay. During this time the Government were making plans to gather Native American Indians to place on reservations. A winter Campaign was on the horizon. General Sheridan wanted Custer to return to lead the campaign. Custer was reinstated before his time was up and lead the seventh cavalry. Involved in the Washita campaign on Black Kettle’s village.
During 1873, he was in the Dakota territory protecting railroad workers from the Sioux Indians. 1874 he was in the Black Hills area discovering gold. June 25 1876 was The Battle Of The Little Big Horn in Montana. There is so much controversy on what happened and how he died and if he was the last one standing. Approximately 260 of his comrades died with him including his two brothers, nephew and brother in law. His body was originally buried in a shallow grave on the battlefield but then removed and reburied at West Point Cemetery, New York, full military honours given, October 10 1877. Died at age 36 years. Elizabeth was also buried there.
