Griffin Alexander Stedman

Griffin Alexander Stedman Jr. (January 6, 1838 – August 6, 1864) was a Colonel in the Union Army during the American Civil War and served in several key battles during the war. He was killed in action during the Siege of Petersburg and brevetted brigadier general.

Early life and education Stedman was born in Hartford, Connecticut on January 6, 1838, to Griffin Alexander and Mary (Shields) Stedman. He graduated from Hartford High School and from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut in 1859. After graduation, he practiced law in Philadelphia.

Civil War When the Civil War began he joined the Washington Greys in Philadelphia. He returned to Hartford and joined the First Regiment Colt's Revolving Rifles formed by gunmaker Samuel Colt. The First Regiment reformed and became the 5th Connecticut Infantry Regiment with Stedman commissioned as captain of company I. Stedman and the 5th Regiment were mustered into service on July 22, 1861. On November 27, 1861, he was commissioned major in the 11th Connecticut Infantry Regiment. and was wounded in the leg. He became Colonel on September 25, 1862, and was in command during the Battle of Fredericksburg.

In January 1864, the regiment re-enlisted and on its return to the front was assigned to the Eighteenth Corps. On May 9, his troops were engaged at the Battle of Swift Creek and on May 16 at the Battle of Drewery's Bluff where he lost almost 200 men. In late May, he commanded the brigade and fought at Cold Harbor.

General Griffin A. Stedman sarcophagus at Cedar Hill Cemetery

He was originally interred in Cedar Grove Cemetery in New London, Connecticut and was re-interred in the family plot in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Hartford, Connecticut on May 20, 1875. The sarcophagus is carved with his ornamental sword, cap and belt, inscribed with the battles he fought in and the words "Brave, just, generous and pure, without fear and reproach".

Legacy Griffin A. Stedman Monument in the Barry Square neighborhood of Hartford

Fort Stedman in Petersburg, Virginia was named in his honor.

Stedman Street in Hartford is named after him and the General Griffin A. Stedman Jr. Memorial Scholarship at Trinity was instituted in his honor.