Jefferson C. Davis

Jefferson Columbus Davis (March 2 1828–November 30 1879) was an officer in the United States Army during the Mexican War, the Civil War and the Modoc War. He was also the first commander of the Department of Alaska from 1867 to 1870. He served the office with the rank of Brevet Major General of the United States Army.

Related Topics:
March 2 - 1828 - November 30 - 1879 - Mexican War - Civil War - Modoc War - Department of Alaska - 1867 - 1870 - Brevet - Major General - United States Army

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Born in Clark County, Indiana, Davis served as a volunteer during the Mexican-American War. Upon completion of volunteer service, he was accepted for an Army commission where he served in the artillery. At the start of the American Civil War, Davis had attained the rank of First Lieutenant and was serving in the Fort Sumter garrison when it was bombed by Confederate forces in 1861. In August, Davis became Colonel of the 22nd Indiana with which he served in the Battle of Wilson's Creek. In December 1861, he became Brigadier General of Volunteers commanding the Third Division, Army of the Southwest at the Battle of Pea Ridge. He commanded the Fourth Division, Army of the Mississippi at Corinth. He went on sick leave, but left his hospital bed to serve in the defenses of Cincinnati. It was during this time that he got in an argument with his superior officer, General William Nelson, and murdered him in a hotel lobby in Louisville. Davis was arrested and imprisoned but General Horatio G. Wright came to his aid and was able to get him released from prison. He avoided conviction for the murder because there was a need for experienced field commanders in the Union Army. He commanded the 1st Division, Right Wing at Stone's River which became the 1st Division, XX Corps at the Battle of Chickamauga. He commanded the 2nd Division, XIV Corps at the battle of Chattanooga and during the Atlanta Campaign. He took command of the XIV Corps and led it during the March to the Sea and the Carolinas campaign.

Related Topics:
Clark County - Indiana - Mexican-American War - Artillery - American Civil War - First Lieutenant - Fort Sumter - Confederate - 1861 - Colonel - Battle of Wilson's Creek - Brigadier General - Army of the Southwest - Battle of Pea Ridge - Army of the Mississippi - Cincinnati - William Nelson - Horatio G. Wright - Stone's River - Battle of Chickamauga - Battle of Chattanooga - Atlanta Campaign - March to the Sea

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He was a capable commander but due to the murder of General Nelson, Davis never received a full promotion higher than brigadier general of volunteers. He did however receive a brevet promotion to major general of volunteers on August 8, 1864 and a brevet promotion to brigadier general in the regular army on March 13, 1865.

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After the American Civil War, Davis continued service with the Army. He gained fame once again when he assumed field command of the U.S. forces during the Modoc War. He died in Chicago, Illinois.

Related Topics:
Modoc War - Chicago, Illinois

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