Horatio G. Sickel

Sickel was born April 3, 1817, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He belonged to a family of Dutch settlers who had emigrated to the area with William Penn. He was also distantly related to Revolutionary War general, Horatio Gates, from whom he received his namesake. Sickel spent his early life as an apprentice in coach making and manufacturing lamps. He served as a captain in the state militia prior to the war. ==Civil War==

In 1861 Sickel volunteered for the Union army and was appointed captain (May 27) then colonel (July 28) of the 3rd Pennsylvania Reserves. Sickel and his regiment joined the Army of the Potomac on the Virginia Peninsula in time for the Seven Days Battles. He led his regiment credibly at Mechanicsville and Gaines' Mill, receiving commendations from his brigade and division commanders, George G. Meade and George McCall. He immediately reenlisted and was appointed colonel of the 198th Pennsylvania Infantry. This command was ordered to the Petersburg front and upon arrival there, Sickel was placed in command of the 1st Brigade in the 1st Division of the V Corps. Two weeks later, Sickel led his brigade into action at Poplar Springs Church. For his services there, he was given a brevet promotion to brigadier general of volunteers on October 21, 1864. but was again significantly engaged at Hatcher's Run. There, he received a painful flesh wound in his left thigh on February 6, 1865. This wound bothered him for the remainder of his life. In November 1864, General Joshua L. Chamberlain, permanent commander of the 1st Brigade, returned to duty, and Sickel reverted to regimental command. He was given a brevet promotion to major general on March 13, 1865. At the Battle of Quaker Road, Sickel "greatly distinguished himself", according to Chamberlain, "...and [behaved] in the most admirable manner." ==Later life==

Upon his return to Pennsylvania, Sickel was appointed Health Inspector for the Port of Philadelphia. He also served as an I.R.S. collector and pension agent, as well as the president of the Philadelphia, Newton & New York Railroad. Sickel died April 17, 1890, in Philadelphia and is buried in Doylestown Cemetery. ==See also==