General and Mrs. Abner Doubleday
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1819-1893
Abner Doubleday, born one of three sons to Ulysses and Hester
Doubleday on June 26, 1819, in Ballston Spa, N.Y., was schooled at
Auburn and Cooperstown, N.Y. Doubleday planned a career in civil
engineering, but in 1838 he was appointed to West Point. He graduated
in 1842 with a commission in the artillery, and served in the Mexican
and Seminole Wars. In 1852-53, Doubleday became a member of a
commission investigation allegations of fraud during the Mexican War.
Doubleday was known for his dignified ande courteous manner and he
used no profanity, liquor, or tobacco.
Doubleday was promoted to first lieutenant in 1847 and to captain in
1855. Stationed in Charleston Harbor in 1860-61, Doubleday fired the
first Union shot from Fort Sumter after the Confederate ironclad
battery bombardment of that fort. Next appointed major of the 17th
Infantry in May 1861, Doubleday served in the lower Shenandoah Valley
and in the defense of Washington. Later, he became brigadier general
of volunteers, assigned to command a brigade in Union Gen. Irvin
McDowell's corps. He saw action on the Rappahannock, at 2d Bull Run,
and as commander in the battles of South Mountain, Antietam, and
Fredericksburg.
In 1863, as major general of volunteers, Doubleday commanded the
fighting at Gettysburg. On the first day, Doubleday led the Union
troops in their repulse of the Confederate army until reinforcements
arrived. Doubleday's top commander, Gen. George G. Meade, was not,
however aware of all of the facts concerning Doubleday's meritorious
service and Doubleday's division's credit for the ultimate Union
victory on the third day of Gettysburg. Therefore, Doubleday did not
earn the permanent command of his division; instead it was given to
former West Point classmate John Newton, and Doubleday was returned
to a lesser command.
Doubleday retired from active service in 1873 and made his home in
New Jersey, where he died twenty years later.
Fascinating Fact: Although controversy exists about Doubleday's
status as the creator of baseball, a 1907 commission, investigating
all sides of the issue, gives official credit to him.
