DEC 5: George A. Custer Enters the World

George Armstrong Custer is born on Dec. 5, 1839, in New Rumley, Harrison County, Ohio, to Emanuel Henry Custer and his second wife, Maria (Ward) Kirkpatrick Custer.

George’s father was a farmer and blacksmith, born in Maryland, and a widower. His mother was a widow, originally from Pennsylvania, who brought several step-siblings into the marriage. Emanuel brought children, too, from his first marriage. In addition to George, his full brothers included Thomas, Boston and Nevin, as well as a sister, Margaret.

George was named after George Armstrong, a minister. Both parents are credited with his naming, each, apparently, hopeful their son would someday join the clergy. George’s nickname, Autie, came about because he mispronounced his middle name as a child.

He spent much of his boyhood living with his half-sister, Lydia Ann, and her husband, David Reed, in Monroe, Michigan.

Little George Custer. (Credit: Monroe (MI) Library)