Adam J. Slemmer

Adam J. Slemmer (1829-1868) - Born 24 Jan 1829 in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. U.S. Army Officer who served in the Seminole Indian Wars and the U.S. Civil War. Died 7 Oct 1868, Fort Laramie, Dakota territory.

He entered the United States Military Academy in 1846 and graduated in the Class of 1850 ranking 12th out of 44. He served as an Assistant Professor at the United States Military Academy (1855-1859).

Best known for his refusal to surrender Fort Pickens to sessionists of the Florida and Alabama militia just before the start of the U.S. Civil War. His action kept Fort Pickens in Union hands for the duration of the war and denied the Confederacy the use of Pensacola Harbor.

He was seriously wounded in the battle of Stone River and spent the remainder of the war in non-combat positions. He received a brevet promotion to Brigadier General, U.S. Army and a permanent rank of Lt. Colonel, U.S. Army. He died on duty as commander, Fort Laramie, Dakota Territory on 7 Oct 1868. He is buried in Montgomery Cemetery, Norristown, Pennsylvania.

Sources:
 * Wikipedia - Adam J. Slemmer
 * Cullum Register