Military officer; born in New York City, June 2, 1815; studied law, but, preferring the military profession, entered the army at twenty-two years of age as lieutenant of dragoons.
Soon afterwards the government sent him to
Europe to study and report upon French cavalry tactics.
While there he fought in the
French  |
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Philip Kearny. |
army in
Africa as a volunteer, and returned in 1840 with the cross of the Legion of Honor.
Aide to
General Scott (1841-44), he was made captain in the United States army, and served on the staff of
Scott in the war with
Mexico, receiving great applause.
Near the city of
Mexico he lost his left arm in battle.
After serving a campaign on the
Pacific coast against the Indians, he went to
Europe, and served on the staff of the
French General Maurier in the
Italian War (1859). He received from the
French government a second decoration of the Legion of Honor.
He hastened home when the
Civil War broke out; was made brigadiergeneral of volunteers just after the
battle of Bull Run, and commanded a brigade of
New Jersey troops in
Franklin's division, Army of the Potomac.
He
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comhanded a division in
Heintzelman's corps; behaved gallantly during the
Peninsula campaign; was made major-general of volunteers in July, 1862; was the first to reinforce
Pope; and was engaged in the battles between the
Rappahannock and
Washington, front Aug. 25 till his death, near
Chantilly, Va., Sept. 1, 1862.
He had placed his division in preparation for battle, and after dark was reconnoitring within the enemy's lines when he was discovered and shot dead.
Kearny,
Stephen Watts 
