Capron, Thaddeus Hurlbut, 1840-1890

Thaddeus Hurlbut Capron served in the American Civil War and Indian wars, paricularly in General George Crook's Big Horn expedition in 1876, including the Battle of the Rosebud on June 17, 1876. Capron served in the Fifty-fifth Illinois Volunteers during the Civil War, and rose from private to major. In 1867, he was commissioned a lieutenant in the regular army, serving until his retirement in 1887. He served at Fort Hartsuff, Fort Niobrara, and Camp Sheridan, Nebraska; Camp Wright, California, and Forts Bridger and Laramie in Wyoming. He was married to Cynthia Jane Steves in 1867, and had five children, including Hazen Selwyn Capron.

Thaddeus Hurlbut Capron was born in Wisconsin on February 11, 1840. He enlisted in the 55th Illinois Infantry September 9, 1861 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant March 1, 1863. After the Civil War he joined the 9th U.S. Infantry as a second lieutenant January 22, 1867, and served in many western campaigns and at many western forts. On June 27, 1867, he married Cynthia Jane ("Jennie") Steves. He was promoted to first lieutenant November 8, 1871, and served under General Crook at the Battle of the Rosebud (June 1876). Capron retired from the army August 30, 1887, and died on December 24, 1890.

Cynthia Jane Steves Capron (1843-1923) was born near Syracuse, New York, and grew up in Durand, Illinois. She accompanied her husband to the west and experienced the life of an officer's wife at Camp Wright (California), Fort Laramie (Wyoming), and Fort Hartsuff (Nebraska), among other locations. Their children were: Hazen Selwyn (1868-1945), Clara Eloise (b. 1871), Henry (1873-1876), Blanche (1879-1940), Mary Louise (b. 1882), and Bessie Adelaide (1884-1909).

Hazen Selwyn Capron married Margaret Bidwell in 1893. Their children were: Ruth Capron (Thomas), Lois Capron, and Margaret Winifred Capron (Moyer). Blanche Capron married Harry H. Barber. Mary Louise Capron married Robert A. Hunter.