Background
Baird, George William was born on December 13, 1839 in Milford, Connecticut, United States. Son of Jonah Newton and Minerva (Gunn) Baird.
Baird, George William was born on December 13, 1839 in Milford, Connecticut, United States. Son of Jonah Newton and Minerva (Gunn) Baird.
Graduate Hopkins Grammar School, New Haven, 1859. Entered Yale, 1859 (given diploma with class of 1863).
Served in Civil War as private August 25, 1862 to March 18, 1864. Promoted from private to colonel 32d United States colored troops. Served in South Carolina., Georgia and Florida, battles Saint John's Bluff, Honey Hill, Deveaux’ Neck, James Island, Siege of Charleston, Morris Island, South Carolina.
Entered regular army May 11, 1866, as 2d lt 19th infantry, transferred September 21 to 37th infantry.
Promoted First lieutenant April 27, 1867. Transferred to 5th infantry May 19, 1869.
Served on Western frontier from Texas to Montana and in Indian campaigns, March 1867, to July 1878. Left field wounded; adjunct 5th infantry and adjutant general of General North. A. Miles’s field commands January 1, 1871, to June 23, 1879.
Twice recommended for bvts. for gallant services in action.
Received medal of honor “for most distinguished gallantry in action against hostile Nez Perce Indians at Bear Paw Mountain, Montana, September 30, 1877, where he was twice severely wounded”. Promoted major and paymaster United States of America, June 23, 1879. Lieutenant colonel and deputy paymaster general, July 12, 1899.
Brigade general, United States of America, February 19, 1903.
On duty as chief disbursing officer, paymaster-general’s office, April 1899-February 1903. Wrote “General Miles’s Indian Campaigns,” The Century, July 1901.
Home: Milford, Connecticut
Served in Civil War as private August 25, 1862 to March 18, 1864.
Married Julia C. Rogers, July 31, 1866.