Kearny, << KAHR nee, >> Philip (1814-1862), was a Union general in the American Civil War (1861-1865). At the outbreak of the war, he became a brigadier general of New Jersey volunteers. He served in the Eastern theater and rose to major general and division commander. He was killed during the Battle of Chantilly, in Virginia.
Kearny was born on June 1, 1814, in New York City into a wealthy family. In 1833, he graduated from Columbia College (now Columbia University). He secured a commission in the army in 1837. Kearny also served in the Mexican War (1846-1848). He lost an arm at Churubusco and won promotion to the rank of major for his bravery.
In 1851, Kearny resigned to settle near Newark, New Jersey. He joined the French Army in 1859 and fought in the war against Austria, winning the cross of the Legion of Honor. New Jersey placed his statue in the United States Capitol in 1888. Kearny was a nephew of Stephen Kearny, who commanded the western armies of the United States in the Mexican War. He died on Sept. 1, 1862.
