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Philip Kearny Jr. (/ ˈ k ɑːr n i /; June 1, 1815 – September 1, 1862) was a United States Army officer, notable for his leadership in the Mexican–American War and American Civil War. He served in French Emperor Napoleon III's Imperial Guard at the Battle of Solferino.
- Early Life
- U.S. Army Officer
- Kearny The Magnificent
- Marriage
- Service in The West
- Mexican-American War
- Resignation from The Army
- Divorce and Remarriage
- Legion of Honor Percipient
- Civil War
Philip Kearny (pronounced CAR-nee) was born on June 2, 1815, in New York, New York. He was the son of Philip Kearny, Sr., and Susan (Watts) Kearny. Kearny’s father, a wealthy financier, was a founder of the New York Stock Exchange, and his maternal grandfather, John Watts, was one of the wealthiest men in America. Kearny’s life took a tragic turn i...
Kearny’s life dramatically changed in 1836 when his grandfather died, leaving Kearny an inheritance that made him an instant millionaire. Kearny’s newly found financial independence enabled the unhappy young man to pursue his dreams of a military career. A year later, Kearny enlisted the help of his uncle, Colonel Stephen W. Kearny, to secure a com...
In 1839, Colonel Kearny interceded on his nephew’s behalf again, when the young lieutenant received an assignment to study cavalry tactics at the French Cavalry School. While stationed in France, Kearny received permission to take part in combat with the French army in Algiers. His bravery and skilled horsemanship prompted members of the French Arm...
In 1841, officials assigned Kearny to General Winfield Scott‘s staff in Washington, DC. While stationed there, he renewed his romance with Diana Bullitt, which had first blossomed while he served in the West. On June 24, 1841, the couple married. The marriage produced five children but ended in divorce because Kearny’s desire for a life of military...
To Kearny’s dismay, garrison duty in the West provided little more action than his staff assignment in Washington. Boredom with army life and the long separation from his family convinced Kearny to resign his commission on April 6, 1846. His wife’s elation quickly turned to disappointment when Kearny withdrew his resignation three weeks later after...
The Mexican-American Warprovided Kearny with his long-awaited opportunity to achieve fame and glory on the battlefield. He promptly recruited a cavalry unit but was dismayed to learn that he and his men would serve as General-in-Chief Winfield Scott’s personal bodyguard instead of engaging the enemy. Despite being promoted to captain in December 18...
After the war, Kearny received a hero’s welcome upon returning to New York, where he served as a recruiting officer for several years. While living there, his marriage deteriorated and his wife left him in 1849. Two years later, Kearny was in Oregon campaigning against the Rogue River tribe. Once again finding army life unfulfilling, Kearny resigne...
Kearny’s travels eventually led him back to Paris, where he met and fell in love with Agnes Maxwell, another American from New York. For the next few years, the couple lived together in France. Highly embarrassed by her husband’s affair, Diana Kearny refused to agree to her husband’s request for a divorce. Undaunted, Kearny returned to the United S...
Seeing an opportunity for more adventure, Kearny returned to France in 1859 and volunteered to fight against Austria during the brief Franco-Austrian War. In recognition of Kearny’s bravery, Emperor Napoleon III bestowed the Legion of Honor upon him, making Kearny the first American to receive that award.
Kearny remained in France until the American Civil War erupted in 1861. Upon learning about the outbreak of hostilities, he rushed home and offered his services to the Union. Despite Kearny’s extensive military experience, federal officials ignored his overtures. Perhaps Kearny’s unpredictable personality or his scandalous relationship with Agnes M...
- Harry Searles
Jul 3, 2019 · Major General Philip Kearny, Jr. was a renowned soldier who saw service with US and French Armies. A native of New Jersey, he distinguished himself in the Mexican-American War where he lost his left arm and later served in Emperor Napoleon III's forces during the Second War of Italian Independence.
Kearny continued to live in Paris until the Civil War broke out in the United States in 1861. He immediately returned home to join the Union Army and was named brigadier general of the First New Jersey Brigade.
Once the American Civil War broke out, Kearny returned home and was among some of the first to be commissioned a brigadier general. Although some questioned how well he could lead with his injury, the need for experienced commanders was far more important.
Sep 1, 2022 · Not only had Kearny lost his left arm in combat during the Mexican War—a disability that could have kept him out of the Civil War if he desired—he was one of the richest men in the nation in 1861.
Sep 30, 2022 · Despite the loss of an arm in the War with Mexico, Phil Kearny was one of the first to offer his services when the Civil War broke out; he went to the front as commander of the First New Jersey Brigade. His record in that conflict to the day of his tragic death was one of brilliance and honor.
- William B. Styple
