Objects

Viewing Record 39 of 227
Previous Record  Next Record
Switch Views: Lightbox | Image List | List

Philip Kearny (1815-1862)
1860-1900
E. & H. T. Anthony
USA: New York, New York City
Photograph on paper mounted on board
overall: 4 x 2 6/16 in.; 10.16 x 6.0325 cm
Gift of Mrs. Doris Hudson May
78.14.12.9

Carte-de-visite photograph; portrait of Philip Kearny seated wearing Civil War uniform; white hair and goatee; printed on back "Published by / E. & H. T. ANTHONY, / 501 Broadway, / New York. / EA. / FROM / PHOTOGRAPHIC NEGATIVE / in / BRADY'S / National Portrait Gallery"; written above photographic information in pencil "Kearney."


Philip Kearny was born on June 1, 1814 in New York City; he lost his mother at an early age and became the charge of his maternal grandfather. He studied law at Columbia University, but in a decision to follow a military career, joined the First United States Dragoons. Kearny was sent to France to learn cavalry tactics and served in Algiers in 1840. Upon his return to the United States, he served during the Mexican-American War under General Winfield Scott. At the battle of Churubusco, Kearny’s left arm was shattered and later amputated. After the war, Kearny returned to France, serving the Imperial Guard until the outbreak of the American Civil War. He returned again to the United States, quickly becoming a brigadier general in spite of his injury. On July 4, 1862, he was promoted to major general and fought at the battles of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, and the Peninsula Campaign. Kearny was killed at the battle of Chantilly on September 1, 1862. General Robert E. Lee, out of respect for Kearny, sent his remains through Union lines for proper burial.



Related Media