Civil War Union Army Officer. He began his Civil War as Major of the 42nd Illinois Volunteer Infantry, receiving his commission on July 22, 1861. In December of that year the unit's original Colonel, William Webb, died of disease, and George W. Roberts was advanced to Colonel and commander of the regiment (December 24, 1861). He led his troops in late Winter-early Spring 1862 operations in Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee, commanding them at New Madrid, Island No. 10 and the Siege of Corinth. Through the Summer and Fall of 1864 the 42nd Illinois participated in numerous smaller skirmishes and engagements, but missed being in the wide scale battles of Pea Ridge, Shiloh and Perryville. By December 1862 he was in command of the 1st Brigade of the 3rd Division (which was led by Brigadier General Philip Sheridan) of the Army of the Cumberland. In the early morning hours of December 31, 1862, his brigade was situated on the right flank of the Army of the Cumberland's position on Stones River at Murfreesboro, Tennessee. There Confederate forces under General Braxton Bragg attacked the right flank, opening up the Battle. Sheridan's division was forced back, but did not break, and at 9:30AM he ordered Colonel Roberts to counterattack with his brigade. In the ensuing charge, which was successful in stabilizing the Union line, Colonel Roberts was killed (his brigade was subsequently led by Colonel Luther P. Bradley through the rest of the combat). In the Battle General Sheridan lost all three brigade commanders (Colonel Roberts, Colonel Frederick Schaefer and Brigadier General Joshua W. Sill) killed in the area that is forever known as "Hell's Half Acre". A native Pennsylvanian, Colonel Roberts' body was brought back to be buried in his home state.
Civil War Union Army Officer. He began his Civil War as Major of the 42nd Illinois Volunteer Infantry, receiving his commission on July 22, 1861. In December of that year the unit's original Colonel, William Webb, died of disease, and George W. Roberts was advanced to Colonel and commander of the regiment (December 24, 1861). He led his troops in late Winter-early Spring 1862 operations in Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee, commanding them at New Madrid, Island No. 10 and the Siege of Corinth. Through the Summer and Fall of 1864 the 42nd Illinois participated in numerous smaller skirmishes and engagements, but missed being in the wide scale battles of Pea Ridge, Shiloh and Perryville. By December 1862 he was in command of the 1st Brigade of the 3rd Division (which was led by Brigadier General Philip Sheridan) of the Army of the Cumberland. In the early morning hours of December 31, 1862, his brigade was situated on the right flank of the Army of the Cumberland's position on Stones River at Murfreesboro, Tennessee. There Confederate forces under General Braxton Bragg attacked the right flank, opening up the Battle. Sheridan's division was forced back, but did not break, and at 9:30AM he ordered Colonel Roberts to counterattack with his brigade. In the ensuing charge, which was successful in stabilizing the Union line, Colonel Roberts was killed (his brigade was subsequently led by Colonel Luther P. Bradley through the rest of the combat). In the Battle General Sheridan lost all three brigade commanders (Colonel Roberts, Colonel Frederick Schaefer and Brigadier General Joshua W. Sill) killed in the area that is forever known as "Hell's Half Acre". A native Pennsylvanian, Colonel Roberts' body was brought back to be buried in his home state.
Bio by: RPD2
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