Henry Capehart

Henry Capehart
Henry Capehart
Born(1825-03-18)March 18, 1825
Johnstown, Pennsylvania, US
DiedApril 15, 1895(1895-04-15) (aged 70)
Fargo, North Dakota, US
Place of burial
AllegianceUnited States of America
Union
BranchUnited States Army
Union Army
Years of service1861–1865
Rank Colonel
Brevet Major General
Commands 1st Regiment West Virginia Volunteer Cavalry
Battles / warsAmerican Civil War
AwardsMedal of Honor

Henry Capehart (March 18, 1825 – April 15, 1895) was a surgeon and officer in the U.S. Cavalry during the American Civil War. He began his military career as the original surgeon for the 1st West Virginia Cavalry Regiment, known then as the 1st Loyal Virginia Cavalry. The regiment consisted mostly of soldiers from Ohio. Most of its fighting occurred in Virginia and what is now West Virginia. He was promoted to colonel of the regiment with a commission date of December 23, 1863. Capehart received the Medal of Honor for saving the life of a drowning soldier while under fire at Greenbrier River, West Virginia, on May 22, 1864. He became a brigade commander, and his veteran soldiers became known as "Capehart's Fighting Brigade".