De Rosey Carroll Cabell (1861 - 1924)

Born 7 Jul 1861 in Charleston, Franklin, Arkansas, United States

Ancestors

Husband of Mary Agnes Boggs (Otis) Cabell — married 8 Feb 1888 (to 20 Nov 1888) in Jeff Davis, Texas, United States

Husband of Martha Mary Stanilaus (Otis) Cabell — married 7 Mar 1892 in San Diego, California, United States

Descendants

Died 15 Mar 1924 at age 62 in Mission Hills, San Diego County, California, USA

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Marylu Taylor [send private message]

Biography

De Rosey Cabell is Notable.

General De Rosey Cabell served with the United States Army during the Spanish-American War.
Service Started: May 11,1898
Unit(s): Commander 2nd Arkansas Volunteer Infantry
Service Ended: Dec 9, 1901

General De Rosey Cabell served in the United States Army in World War I
Service started: April 1917
Unit(s): Commander, 15th Cavalry Division
Service ended: 5 Oct 1918

DeRosey Carroll Cabell is notable for his distinguished military career and exemplary service to his country. Rising through the ranks from a second lieutenant to major general, Cabell demonstrated exceptional leadership during various military campaigns, including the Geronimo campaign, the Great Sioux War, the Spanish-American War, the Philippine Insurrection, and the China Relief Expedition. Notably, he played a crucial role in handling the delicate border situation with Mexico during World War I, earning him the Army Distinguished Service Medal. Cabell's dedication to duty and sound judgment, particularly during the pursuit of Pancho Villa and his band, showcased his ability to handle challenging and sensitive military operations. His remarkable career and contributions to the United States Armed Forces have had a lasting impact on the nation's military history, making him a highly esteemed figure in American military circles.^[1]

Major General DeRosey Carroll Cabell was born on July 7, 1861, in Charleston, Franklin County, Arkansas^[1], to Algernon Sydney Cabell and Mary Angela (Carroll) Cabell. Algernon Cabell was a Major in the Confederate Army.^[2] DeRosey was the first child and grew up with nine brothers and sisters.

In 1870, young DeRosey lived in Prairie Township, Franklin County, Arkansas.^[3] By 1880, his family had moved, and he was residing in Roseville Township, Logan County, Arkansas.^[4]

Demonstrating early signs of ambition and dedication, DeRosey pursued a career in the military.^[5] He attended the United States Military Academy and graduated in 1884. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant for the 8th Cavalry on June 15, 1884.^[6]

During his time in the military, DeRosey served on the frontier and actively participated in the Geronimo campaign, where he displayed bravery, but was wounded in the line of duty.^[1][7]

On February 8, 1888, DeRosey married Mary "Marie" Boggs Otis, the daughter of his first commanding officer, Colonel Elmer I. Otis, in Davis, Texas.^[8][9] Tragically, Marie passed away on November 22, 1888, following the birth of their daughter, Marie. She was laid to rest at Fort Meade, South Dakota.^[10]

On March 7, 1892, DeRosey married Marie's younger sister, Martha Mary Stanislaus Otis. Together, they had three children: Lee, DeRosey Jr, and Agnes.^[11]

DeRosey's military career continued to flourish. In 1898, he received an appointment to Lieutenant Colonel and was assigned to the 2nd Arkansas Volunteers during the Spanish-American War. He proved himself capable and dedicated during this conflict.^[12]

In the early 1900s, he served in the Philippines from 1900 to 1902, participating in the Philippine Insurrection (Philippine-American War) and the China Relief Expedition.^[1]

In 1900, DeRossey found himself amidst the Battle of Peking, historically known as the Relief of Peking. This crucial mission brought together the Eight-Nation Alliance to break the siege on the Peking Legation Quarters during the Chinese Boxer Rebellion. In two letters to his wife, DeRossey recounted the events he experienced.^[13][14]

On August 8, DeRossey and his seventy-six men departed Tien Tain to join the main army. While most units had already disembarked, his cavalry remained aboard the USS Grant. Despite this, he proudly noted that his unit was the first ready to march upon landing. Fatigued horses, weakened and stiff from confinement onboard, covered forty-one miles in two days. Upon meeting the main army at camp, they were welcomed with boisterous cheers from the infantry and a battery of artillery. The next day, his unit led the entire Army at the head of the line. They were about 2,000 Americans, facing roughly 10,000 Japanese and 6,000 Russians. Surprisingly, the Chinese forces retreated rapidly as they advanced, and little fighting ensued.^[13]

During the second night, while setting up camp, the wagons that carried their supplies failed to arrive. DeRossey's unit was sent to locate them, eventually finding the wagons that had taken a wrong turn. Exhausted and without rations, they had to sleep on the wet ground.^[13]

Later, after rejoining the main army, DeRossey's unit was sent on a reconnaissance mission, approaching the city walls of Peking. They were met with heavy fire, causing them to retreat and hold their position until the main army arrived. Finally, the 14th Infantry scaled the walls and captured the city.^[13]

The soldiers found the legation under siege and provided essential relief. They held one of the gates into the Forbidden City, while the Japanese controlled the other three.^[13]

As the fighting subsided, additional troops arrived, and DeRossey was no longer leading the cavalry. Nonetheless, he continued his stay in the Chinese city and wrote another letter several months later. He described the relative peace after taking the city, mentioning a mission where they dispersed a group of Boxers and rescued civilians. They now camped in tents at the Temple of Agriculture grounds, guarding strategic sections of the city.^[13]

Despite the sights of interest, DeRossey described the city as "dirt and filth beyond description," with one-story homes filled with Chinese inhabitants. He mentioned a large temple, the Llama Temple, and a remarkable wooden Buddha within. However, he had yet to visit it.^[13]

The Forbidden City, though impressive in its dimensions, disappointed him due to its neglect and decay. Clocks cluttered the Emperor's private apartments, marking different times.^[13]

DeRossey noted that the Emperor and Empress were absent during their occupation, and he doubted their return. The city streets were muddy and filled with filth, and he was troubled by the sight of women with deformed feet.^[13]

He expressed his strong desire to return home to see his loved ones, hoping they wouldn't forget him.^[13]

In 1913, DeRosey attended the United States Army War College, further honing his military knowledge and leadership skills.

By 1916, he had risen to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and was assigned to the 10th Cavalry as chief of staff for General Pershing's command at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. He played a crucial role in the expedition into Mexico in 1916-1917, while chasing the notorious Pancho Villa and his band, managing supply issues for the troops.^[15]

In recognition of his exceptional service, DeRosey was promoted to brigadier general on December 17, 1917. He continued to rise in rank and became the commanding general of the Southern Department on April 30, 1918.^[1]

During World War I, hostilities broke out with Mexico in 1918, when Mexicans attempted to cross into the United States. A clash ensued, resulting in casualties on both sides.^[16] DeRosey, displaying firmness and sound judgment, effectively handled the delicate border situation. For his distinguished service during this time, he was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal.^[17]

On October 1, 1918, DeRosey Cabell received another promotion, this time to the rank of major general, recognizing his outstanding leadership and contributions.^[18]

In 1919, he assumed command of the Mexican Border Command, playing a vital role in responding to threats from still-active Pancho Villa, ensuring the protection of American lives and property.^[19]

However, as the post-World War I Reduction in Force (RIF) took place, DeRosey was reduced to the rank of colonel.^[20]

In 1920, he lived in Justice Precinct 1, Starr County, Texas.^[21]

Unfortunately, DeRosey Carroll Cabell's life ended on March 15, 1924, in San Diego County, California. He was laid to rest at the San Francisco National Cemetery in San Francisco, San Francisco County, California.^[22][23]

Throughout his life, DeRosey Carroll Cabell demonstrated unwavering dedication to his military career, rising through the ranks and serving with distinction in various campaigns and conflicts. His contributions to the military and his country were recognized through numerous promotions and accolades, making him a respected and honored figure in American military history.^[24][25]

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4} Wikipedia Contributors. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, last edited on 30 Jan 2023. "DeRosey Caroll Cabell." Accessed 24 Jul 2023.
2. ↑ Newspaper Clipping, The Helena Weekly World, Helena, Arkansas, 18 May 1898, Wed. Page 4. "Lieut. Col 2d Regiment." Accessed 24 Jul 2023.
3. ↑ 1870 United States Federal Census: Year: 1870; Census Place: Prairie, Franklin, Arkansas; Roll: M593_53; Page: 71A Ancestry Record 7163 #12465380
4. ↑ 1880 United States Federal Census: Year: 1880; Census Place: Roseville, Logan, Arkansas; Roll: 50; Page: 231A; Enumeration District: 097 Ancestry Record 6742 #39673811
5. ↑ U.S., Register of Civil, Military, and Naval Service, 1863-1959: Ancestry.com. U.S., Register of Civil, Military, and Naval Service, 1863-1959 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Original data: Department of Commerce and Labor, Bureau of the Census. Official Register of the United States, Containing a List of the Officers and Employees in the Civil, Military, and Naval Service. Digitized books (77 volumes). Oregon State Library, Salem, Oregon. Ancestry Record 2525 #3421492
6. ↑ Newspaper Clipping, Daily Arkansas Gazatte, Little Rock, Arkansas, 24 Jun 1884, Tues. - 8. "Lieutenant Cabell." "Second Part of Article." Accessed 24 Jul 2023.
7. ↑ Newspaper Clipping, Buffalo, New York, 24 Dec 1885, Thu. Page 1. "Soldiers Killed by Redskins." Accessed 24 Jul 2023.
8. ↑ Newspaper Clipping, Bismark Weekly Tribune, 10 Feb 1888, Fri. - Page 5. "A Couple of Army Personnel." Accessed 24 Jul 2023.
9. ↑ Texas, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1817-1965: Ancestry.com. Texas, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1817-1965 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016. Original data: Marriage Records. Texas Marriages. Texas State Library and Archives Commission and various county clerk offices, Texas. Ancestry Record 61383 #686746
10. ↑ U.S., Burial Registers, Military Posts and National Cemeteries, 1862-1960: National Archives and Records Administration; Burial Registers of Military Posts and National Cemeteries, compiled ca. 1862-ca. 1960; Archive Number: 44778151; Series: A1 627; Record Group Title: Records of the Office of the Quartermaster General, 1774-1985; Record Group Number: 92 Ancestry Record 3135 #318325
11. ↑ Newspaper Clipping, The Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, 9 Mar 1892, Wed. - Page 4. "Cabell-Otis." Accessed 24 Jul 2023.
12. ↑ Newspaper Clipping, The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, 30 May 1898, Mon. Page 2. "Roster of Troops - The Second Regiment Gone from Little Rock." Accessed 24 Jul 2023.
13. ↑ ^{13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 13.6 13.7 13.8 13.9} Newspaper Clipping, Arkansas Democrat, Little Rock, Arkansas, 4 Apr 1901, Thu. - Page 6. "Capt. DeRosey Cabell Tells of the Storming of Pekin." Accessed 25 Jul 2023.
14. ↑ Wikipedia Contributors, Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, last edited on 20 Jul 2023. "Battle of Peking." Accessed 25 Jul 2023.
15. ↑ John J. Pershing and the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I, 1917-1919: October 1-December 31, 1917. United States: University Press of Kentucky, 2022. "John J. Pershing and the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I, 1917-1919." Accessed 24 Jul 2023.
16. ↑ Newspaper Clipping, Williston Graphic, Williston, North Dakota, 29 Aug 1918, Thu. Page 1. "Bloody Fight At Mexican Border." Accessed 24 Jul 2023.
17. ↑ Military Times, (n.d.). "DeRosey Carroll Cabell." Accessed 24 Jul 2023.
18. ↑ Newspaper Clipping, "The Defender of the Border." Accessed 24 Jul 2023.
19. ↑ A Heritage of Service: Seventy-five Years of Military Aviation at Kelly Air Force Base, 1916-1991. United States: Office of History, San Antonio Air Logistics Center, Air Force Logistics Command, 1992. "A Heritage of Service - Seventy-five Years of Military Aviation at Kelly Air Force Base, 1916-1991." Accessed 24 Jul 2023.
20. ↑ Newspaper Clipping, "Business Men Honor Cabell." Accessed 24 Jul 2023.
21. ↑ 1920 United States Federal Census: Year: 1920; Census Place: Justice Precinct 1, Starr, Texas; Roll: T625_1847; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 159 Ancestry Record 6061 #108124027
22. ↑ U.S., National Cemetery Interment Control Forms, 1928-1962: Ancestry.com. U.S., National Cemetery Interment Control Forms, 1928-1962 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012. Original data: Interment Control Forms, 1928–1962. Interment Control Forms, A1 2110-B. NAID: 5833879. Record Group 92, Records of the Office of the Quartermaster General, 1774–1985. The National Archives at St. Louis, St. Louis, MO. Ancestry Record 2590 #1826793
23. ↑ Memorial: "Find a Grave", database with images
    Find A Grave: Memorial #6154953 (accessed 19 April 2024)
    Memorial page for MG De Rosey Carroll Cabell Sr. (7 Jul 1861-15 Mar 1924), citing San Francisco National Cemetery, San Francisco, San Francisco County, California, USA (plot: Section OS Row 4 Site 8); Maintained by Kit and Morgan Benson (contributor 46483611).
24. ↑ U.S., Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940: Ancestry.com. U.S., Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT. USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2019. Original data: United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940. Salt Lake City, Utah: FamilySearch, 2019. Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917 - 9/16/1940. NAI 76193916. Record Group 15: Records of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 1773 - 2007. National Archives at St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A. Ancestry Record 61861 #657227
25. ↑ U.S., Select Military Registers, 1862-1985: Ancestry.com. U.S., Select Military Registers, 1862-1985 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013. This collection was indexed by Ancestry World Archives Project contributors. Original data: United States Military Registers, 1902–1985. Salem, Oregon: Oregon State Library. Ancestry Record 2345 #1502037

Acknowledgements

• Thank you to Kit and Morgan Benson for the the intial biography. Jimmy Honey
• Thank you for Marylu (Otis) Taylor for maintaining this profile as the profile manager. Jimmy Honey