Charles M. Betts
Charles Malone Betts | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age Warminster Township, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | 10 November 1905 (aged 67) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Military officer, businessman, politician |
| Years active | 1861–1865 (military), post-war business and political career |
| Known for | Medal of Honor recipient for leadership during the American Civil War; Pennsylvania House of Representatives member |
Charles Malone Betts (born August 9, 1838 – died November 10, 1905) was a United States military officer who held the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Union army during the American Civil War. On October 10, 1892, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his role in leading a charge that resulted in the capture of a South Carolina cavalry battalion on April 19, 1865.
Following the war, Betts became a proprietor of a wholesale lumber business and represented the Republican Party as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives between 1885 and 1888.
Early life and education
Born to John and Sarah C. Betts on August 9, 1838, in Warminster Township, Pennsylvania, Betts received his early education at the Loller Academy located in Hatboro, Pennsylvania and later attended Gummere's School in Burlington, New Jersey. Between 1856 and 1861, he was employed by Malone & Taylor, a Philadelphia-based wholesale lumber firm.
Military career
At the outbreak of the Civil War, Governor Andrew Gregg Curtin appointed Betts as a lieutenant in Company D of the Blues Reserves, a home defense unit in Philadelphia. He resigned this post in November 1861 to serve as chief clerk within the Quartermaster Department under General William B. Franklin during the Seven Days Battles. Desiring frontline duty, Betts enlisted as a private in the 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment on August 12, 1862.
He saw combat at the Battle of Antietam, attained promotion to first sergeant while stationed in Louisville, Kentucky, and fought at the Battle of Stones River near Nashville. In March 1863, after reorganization, he was elevated to captain and commanded a battalion until advancing to major in May 1864 and then lieutenant colonel in early 1865. In December 1863, he engaged Confederate-aligned Cherokee forces near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where he sustained an injury to his left arm.
During Stoneman's 1865 raid, Betts' unit seized valuable Confederate resources including seven wagons loaded with $180,000 in coinage, more than $6 million in Confederate currency and bonds, as well as personal documents belonging to Generals P. G. T. Beauregard and Gideon Johnson Pillow. His Medal of Honor citation commemorates his leadership during the capture of a South Carolina cavalry battalion close to Greensboro, North Carolina, on April 19, 1865. He officially mustered out on June 21, 1865.
After the war, Betts remained involved with veteran organizations such as the Pennsylvania Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, where he served three years on its council. He also held the presidency of Philadelphia's Grand Army of the Republic Post 2.
Business career
Betts spent much of his post-military life engaged in wholesale lumber operations, being associated with Taylor & Betts for a quarter-century. By 1890, he had become senior partner at Charles M. Betts & Co., maintaining offices both in Philadelphia and Buffalo, New York. He played an instrumental role in founding the Lumbermen's Exchange in Philadelphia and served as its director and president during that year. Additionally, Betts presided over the National Wholesale Lumbermen's Association for two years and led the Philadelphia Wholesale Lumber Dealers' Association for multiple years. His business leadership extended to directorships at both the Trades League of Philadelphia and Consolidation National Bank.
Political career
Betts held office as a Republican representative in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives between 1885 and 1888.
He passed away on November 10, 1905, in Philadelphia and was laid to rest at West Laurel Hill Cemetery located in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.
Personal life
On May 3, 1866, he wed Louisa G. Hance, and together they had five children.