Holman Melcher | |
|---|---|
 Holman Melcher in August 1864 | |
| 34th Mayor of Portland, Maine | |
| In office January 1, 1889 – January 1, 1890 | |
| Preceded by | Charles J. Chapman |
| Succeeded by | George W. True |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Holman Staples Melcher June 30, 1841 Topsham, Maine, U.S. |
| Died | June 25, 1905 (aged 64) Portland, Maine, U.S. |
| Resting place | Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, Maine |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Alice E. Hart (1874 – 1905; his death) |
| Children | Georgiana Hill |
| Residence(s) | Portland, Maine |
| Alma mater | Bates College |
| Profession | Soldier, politician, author |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States Union |
| Branch/service |  United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1862–1865 |
| Rank |  Captain Brevet Major |
| Unit | 20th Maine Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Holman Staples Melcher (/ˈmɛltʃər/; June 30, 1841 – June 25, 1905) was an American military officer, businessman, and politician active during the Reconstruction Era. A faction of historians and soldiers controversially contend that he led the downhill bayonet charge of Little Round Top during the Battle of Gettysburg.[1][2][3] Aside from his feats during the American Civil War, he served two one-year terms as the Mayor of Portland, Maine, from 1889 to 1890.
He first began his formal military career in the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment, which was mustered in and equipped in August 1862. The regiment was assigned to the V Corps of the Army of the Potomac, and first engaged in combat at the Battle of Shepherdstown. During the Battle of Antietam, the 20th Maine was held in reserve on a hill near the Pry Farm.
During the Battle of the Wilderness, Melcher led a small company of seventeen men through a forest along the Orange Turnpike needed for alignment with the adjoining company. After being surrounded he ordered his men to lie on the ground and start shooting; they captured thirty Confederates and sustained only minor injuries.[4]
His involvement in the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House in Virginia resulted in his promotion and serious injury. While engaging in the war, he was promoted three different times; starting with first lieutenant in 1863, captain in 1864 and brevet major at Spotsylvania. He was in three different companies during the war, later served on the division staff and was mustered out on July 16, 1865.
- ^ Melcher, Holman (1994). With a Flash of His Sword: The Writings of Major Holman S. Melcher 20th Maine Infantry. Ladd Library, Bates College: Belle Grove Pub Co; First edition. pp. multi–source.
- ^ Eicher, pp. 527–30; Clark, pp. 81–85.
- ^ "Diary Leads War Buff To Discovery Of An Unsung Gettysburg Hero Holman S. Melcher Was The One Who Really Led The Bayonet Charge, A Publisher Says". philly-archives. Archived from the original on September 22, 2015. Retrieved 2016-02-21.
- ^ Styple, x