OPPOSITE CAREER PATHS:   'STONEWALL' JACKSON AND JOSHUA L. CHAMBERLAIN

Birth and Background of Parents
Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain was born September 8, 1828, in Brewer, Maine, the oldest of five children. His father, also named Joshua, was a Brewer farmer who took a leading citizen’s part in civil and military affairs, holding at one time office of county commissioner and serving as lieutenant-colonel commanding the militia regiment at the time of Maine’s "Aroostook War" with New Brunswick. His mother, Sarah, was quite different. Filled with energy, she kept all about her busy with activity with her children. She resolved early in his life that the young Joshua should devote himself to the Lord’s work. That her husband was equally determined on a military career for their oldest son did not disturb her.

Early Life
Growing up on a 100-acre farm, the young Chamberlain learned that few things are so difficult that they cannot be mastered. He learned to shoot, sing, and play the string bass, in which he became an accomplished player. His father sent him to a military academy in nearby Ellsworth. Joshua did very well in military drill, Latin, and the required modern language, French.

Career Decision
Nearing the end of his teens, no decision had been made concerning a possible career. The social and spiritual significance of the Congregational Church in Brewer began to possess him. He agreed to become a minister of the gospel as a missionary to some country. To reach this goal, he had to earn a college education. The college in Maine which produced many aspirants to the Congregational ministry at that time was Bowdoin College in Brunswick. In 1848 he was admitted.

Photo of Union Brigadier General Joshua Chamberlain from Brady Collection, National Archives.

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