b. 02/08/1846 Muncie, Indiana. d. 19/01/1915 San Bernardino, California.

DATE OF MOH ACTION: 05/05/1864 Wilderness, Virginia.

Abraham J Buckles MOH

Born near Muncie, Indiana, on August 2, 1846, to Thomas and Rebecca (Graham) Buckles, his first name was often abbreviated as “Abram”. Buckles was largely self-educated, and was known for his heroism during the American Civil War and his years of service on the California bench. On December 15, 1865, he married Louiza/Louisa Conn. Together, they had two daughters, Addie Jessie and Lola B.

In 1862, Buckles joined Company E, 19th Indiana Infantry, which was to become part of the “Iron Brigade,” First Army Corps of the Army of the Potomac, even though he was only 15 years old. Buckles was wounded by bullets four times during the Civil War: at the Second Battle of Bull Run (thigh); Gettysburg (right shoulder); the Wilderness (body); and the Battle of Hatcher’s Run (knee). His right leg was amputated after being shot through the knee at Hatcher’s Run, and was discharged from service just 15 days before Lee’s surrender. By that time, Buckles was a Second Lieutenant in the 20th Regiment Indiana Infantry (Reorganized).

Buckles left the Army in May 1865 as a 19-year-old man and returned to Indiana. He was later awarded the Medal of Honor on 4 December 1893 for his actions during the Battle of the Wilderness.

After his discharge, Buckles became a teacher while he read the law. He was admitted to the Indiana bar, but then moved his family to Dixon, California in 1875. There, he began his legal career. In 1879, he was elected District Attorney of Solano County, a position he retained until 1884, when he became Judge of the Superior Court of Solano County. Governor George Pardee named Buckles to the newly created Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, in April 1905. Buckles was denied nomination for election to the appellate court in 1906, and left office upon the expiration of his term in 1907. He returned to practice in Fairfield, and in 1908 returned to the bench of the Superior Court of Solano County, where he served for the remainder of his life. He died 11 days after an operation in San Bernardino, California in January 1915. 

MOH CITATION:

Though suffering from an open wound, carried the regimental colors until again wounded.

BURIAL LOCATION: SUISUN-FAIRFIELD CEMETERY, FAIRFIELD, CALIFORNIA.

IOOF PLOT 71, GRAVE 1

LOCATION OF MEDAL: FAMILY.