Biography of General Brickett Davenport Fry

West Virginia-born Brickett Fry led an interesting life, including a stint as a brigade commander in A.P. Hill's Third Corps.

Born in Kanawha County in what is today West Virginia on June 24, 1822, Fry was educated at VMI and subsequently attended West Point, though he did not graduate. Nevertheless, he served as a 1st lieutenant in the Mexican War. After the War he emigrated to California, remaining there until 1859 when he chose to accompany the filibuster, William Walker, to Nicaragua.

At the outbreak of the War, Fry was in Alabama engaged in cotton manufacturing. He was appointed to the colonelcy of the 13th Alabama which joined Archer's Brigade.

Fry was severely wounded twice, first at Seven Pines, then again at Sharpsburg. He was also wounded at Chancellorsville. He performed notable service at Gettysburg, commanding Archer's brigade during the grand charge on July 3. Fry was wounded yet again at Gettysburg and fell into the hands of the enemy. He returned to the army through a special exchange in time for the early part of the siege of Petersburg. Fry was promoted to general to rank from May 24, 1864.

During the last months of the War, Fry commanded a district in South Carolina and in Georgia. When the War ended, he emigrated to Cuba, but returned to the United States by 1868.

After the War, Fry was a successful businessman in Alabama and in Florida.

In 1881, he moved to Richmond where for ten years he served as president of a cotton mill. Fry died in Richmond on January 21, 1891. He was buried in Montgomery, Alabama in Oakwood Cemetery.