Sepia Saturday: Major General Hugh Brady

Hugh Brady, born July 29, 1768 in Pennsylvania to John and Mary (Quigley) Brady. He was a twin to Jane Brady and one of ten children who survived infancy and early childhood - six boys and four girls. His father, Captain John Brady was killed during the Revolutionary War in a skirmish with Native Americans. After John's death, Mary Brady moved with her children to her father's home in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.

When Hugh was 16, his mother died. HIs older siblings had begun to marry, so Hugh moved with his brother Samuel to Washington County, Pennsylvania. Though Samuel married, Hugh continued to live with his brother until 1792, when Hug embarked on a military career.

Library of Congress Photo Collection (Daguerrotypes) - LC-USZ62-110036 portrait of General Hugh Brady by Mathew Brady between 1845 and 1851.

He was inducted with a commission from George Washington as an ensign in the army of General Anthony Wayne and joined a rifle company. Within two years, Hugh was promoted to lieutenant and fought with "Mad Anthony" in the Northwest Indian Wars. Following that war, he temporarily left the military in 1796. After spending time with family and friends in Virginia, Kentucky and Pennsylvania, he obtained a plot of land around 1800 and married Sarah Wallace.

In 1807, Hugh and Sarah moved to Northumberland County, Pennsylvania and in 1812, Hugh received a commission from President Thomas Jefferson. Hugh commanded the 22nd Infantry Regiment and saw action at the Battle of Chippewa and Battle of Lundy's Lane. Severe injuries in the latter battle ended his wartime service in the War of 1812, but he remained in the military.

His military duties including postings at Sackett's Harbor, New York and at the newly established Fort Brady near Lake Superior in Michigan territory. In 1822, he was promoted to brigadier general and given command of the garrison at Detroit by 1828.

He was peripherally involved in the Black Hawk War in Michigan and Illinois territories in 1832. Five years later, Hugh Brady was appointed commander of Military Department 7, headquartered in Detroit and during his seven years in the position, was responsible for the removal of several Native American tribes.

By the time of the Mexican-American War, he was too old for combat, but helped raise troops and equipment. He was promoted to Major General in 1848.

Library of Congress Photo Collection (Daguerrotypes) - LC-USZ62-110176 portrait of General Hugh Brady by Mathew Brady between 1845 and 1851. 

He died accidentally on April 15, 1851. He was driving a horse-drawn carriage in Detroit. Telegraph wires had been lowered for repairs and got tangled with the wagon. The horses panicked, throwing Brady from the carriage. His injuries were fatal.