Custer Family Genealogy & History

George Armstrong Custer was a notable United States Army officer and cavalry commander during the American Civil War and American Indian Wars. Graduating last in his class at West Point in 1861, he rose to brevet brigadier general by age 23. Custer played pivotal roles in battles such as Gettysburg and Cedar Creek, eventually witnessing General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox. His career ended dramatically at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876, a moment known as "Custer's Last Stand." Custer's legacy remains controversial, partly due to the efforts of his wife, Elizabeth Bacon Custer, who worked to mythologize his story.

Custer was born in New Rumley, Ohio, to Emanuel Henry Custer and Marie Ward Kirkpatrick. His paternal ancestors, Paulus and Gertrude Küster, immigrated from Germany's Rhineland in the late 17th century, while his maternal lineage was of English and Ulster Scots descent. Custer grew up with two younger brothers, Thomas and Boston, and several full and half-siblings. His father, a fervent Jacksonian Democrat, instilled values of toughness and political awareness in his children.

Elizabeth Bacon Custer, born April 8, 1842, in Monroe, Michigan, was a prominent author and lecturer who fiercely defended the legacy of her husband, Brevet Major General George Armstrong Custer. Known for her role as an advocate, Elizabeth's writings and public speeches transformed George Custer's image into that of a gallant fallen hero after his death at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Her efforts preserved his reputation for decades. Elizabeth's life was marked by her dedication to her husband's career and her resilience in the face of personal and financial challenges following his demise.

Elizabeth was the daughter of Daniel Bacon, a wealthy judge and state representative. She was the only one of his children to survive into adulthood, leading her father to devote himself to her upbringing following the premature deaths of her siblings and mother. Elizabeth's father was influential and hoped for a prosperous marriage for her, though she ultimately married George Armstrong Custer despite his initial disapproval.

Thomas Ward Custer, born on March 15, 1845, was a distinguished United States Army officer and two-time Medal of Honor recipient during the American Civil War. As the younger brother of George Armstrong Custer, he served as an aide in the Battle of Little Bighorn. Notably, he was the first soldier to earn the dual Medal of Honor for capturing Confederate flags at Namozine Church and Sailor's Creek. These acts of bravery highlighted his valor and strategic prowess in critical battles.

Thomas Custer was born in New Rumley, Ohio, to Emanuel and Marie Custer, making him of German descent through his paternal line. He was the third son in the Custer family, which included his famous brother George Armstrong Custer.

Cole Matthew Custer, born on January 23, 1998, is a prominent American professional stock car racing driver competing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for the Haas Factory Team. Known for driving the No. 41 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, Custer's career is marked by significant achievements, including winning the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship. He began his racing journey in quarter midgets at age four, advancing swiftly through the ranks of NASCAR's K&N Pro Series and Camping World Truck Series, where he set records as the youngest pole and race winner. His transition to the Xfinity and Cup Series showcased his exceptional talent, earning multiple race victories and consistently strong performances.