Henry W. Closson

Henry W. Closson (June 6, 1832 – July 15, 1917) was a career officer in the United States Army. A veteran of the American Indian Wars and the American Civil War, he served from 1854 to 1896 and attained the rank of colonel. During the Civil War, Closson received brevet promotions to major and lieutenant colonel to recognize his heroism during the Siege of Port Hudson, Louisiana and Siege of Fort Morgan, Alabama.

In retirement, Closson was a resident of Washington, D.C., In July 1904, he was promoted to brigadier general in accordance with a newly passed law which permitted Union Army veterans of the Civil War who had retired from the regular army at a rank lower than brigadier general to be advanced one grade on the Army's retired list. He died in Washington, D.C., on July 15, 1917, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Early life Henry Whitney Closson was born in Whitingham, Vermont, on June 6, 1832, the son of Henry and Emily (Whitney) Closson. He was raised and educated in Springfield, Vermont, where his father was a prominent attorney and judge.

In 1850, Closson began attendance at the United States Military Academy. His classmates included several individuals who attained prominence during the American Civil War and the years that followed, including George Washington Custis Lee, Thomas H. Ruger, Oliver Otis Howard, J. E. B. Stuart, and Zenas Bliss. Closson qualified under these criteria, and was advanced to brigadier general with an effective date of April 4, 1904. He died in Washington on July 15, 1917, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Closson was fluent in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, and collected more than 10,000 books, including rare volumes and first editions. After his death, his library was sold at auction in several lots by Walpole Galleries of New York City.

Family In October 1857, Closson married Olivia Adelaide Burke (1835–1866). They were the parents of two children, Henry and Olivia. They were the parents of two daughters, Julie and Ellen.

Closson's daughter Ellen was the wife of Brigadier General Henry Howard Whitney. His daughter Julie was the wife of Major General William L. Kenly.