Erastus Allyn Capron – Captain, United States Army

He was born in 1810 and graduated in the United States Military Academy (West Point) class of 1833.  He was in command of the 1st United States Artillery during the Mexican War when he was killed-in-action at Churusbusco, Mexico in 1847.

He was subsequently buried in Section 1 of Arlington National Cemetery after first being buried in the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C.


Erastus A. Capron of Connecticut

  • Appointed from New York, Cadet, United States Military Academy, 1 July 1829 (10)
  • Breveted Second Lieutenant, 1st U. S. Artillery, 1 July 1833
  • Second Lieutenant, 31 May 1834
  • First Lieutenant, 19 November 1836
  • Captain,  16 February 1847
  • Killed 20 August 1847 at the battle of Churubusco, Mexico
  • Erastus Allyn CAPRON
  • Sex:  M
  • Marriage(s):
  • Spouse:  Harriet R. F. BARNARD VINSON
  • Marriage:  1836  Washington, District Of Columbia, District Of Columbia

E-Mail: 22 July 2003:

Dear Mr. Patterson,

Just a few notes on your recent update on the Capron Family.

1. I think the father of Erastus A. Capron fought and died in the Seminole Wars. There was a fort in Florida named for him.

2. Erastus A. Capron was better known as Capt E A Capron. For the actual reports, search on Capron + Churubusco.

3. In your description of the wife of Erastus A. Capron, Harriet, You state that she did not remarry, when in fact she did marry Charles Vinson, Esq. Here is some info from Congressional Cemetery to back this up. Capron, Celestine d. 21 Oct 1863 R43/30 Capron. On the 21st inst., Celestine, eldest daughter of the late Capt. E.A. Capron, U.S. Army. The funeral will take place on Saturday next, the 24th inst. At 1 o’clock p.m. from the residence of her step father, Charles Vinson, Esq., No. 86, Pennsylvania ave., between 21st and 22d streets. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend. Capron, George d. 8 Oct 1863 15 yrs. R43/30 Capron. On the 8th inst. In the 16th year of his age, George, youngest son of the late Capt. E.A. Capron, U.S. Army. The funeral will take place tomorrow at 10 a.m. the 9th inst. From the residence of Charles Vinton, Esq., No. 86 Pennsylvania avenue between 21st and 22d streets. The friends and relatives of the family are respectfully invited to attend.

4. There is also another child of Harriet and Erastus A. Capron buried in Arlington National. She is Carrie Capron and became the wife of Carlile Porter USMC.

5. If you would like to view this family group, go to the LDS site family search. org and search the 1880 census for Carlile Porter. This is very interesting because they are all bunked in together. Harriet Vinson, Caprons, and Porters kids and servants. It appears that Mr. Vinson was gone by 1880. It would be interesting to find a marriage and death date for him.

Thanks very much for making your research and photos available.
David Adams descendant of Admiral David D. Porter

CAPRON, EASTUS ALLYN

  • CAPT 1ST US ARMY MEX WAR
  • VETERAN SERVICE DATES: Unknown
  • DATE OF INTERMENT: Unknown
  • BURIED AT:   SITE LOT 680
  • ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

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