Daniel Showalter facts for kids

Daniel Showalter (1830–1866) was an interesting figure from California's early days. He was a miner, a politician, and later a military officer for the Confederate States of America in Texas during the American Civil War.

Who Was Daniel Showalter?

Daniel Showalter was born in Greene County, Pennsylvania. He moved to California in 1852, settling in a town called Coulterville.

Early Life and California Days

Showalter started his career as a miner in Horseshoe Bend, located in Mariposa County. He was also interested in politics.

A Politician and a Duel

Daniel Showalter was elected to the California State Assembly, which is like a state parliament, representing his district from 1857 to 1858 and again from 1861 to 1862.

In 1861, a big debate happened in the Assembly about whether California should stay with the Union (the United States) or join the Confederate States. Showalter voted against California staying in the Union. During this vote, he had a serious disagreement with another politician, Charles W. Piercy. This argument led to a challenge for a duel.

Even though dueling was against the law in California, the duel took place on May 25, 1861. It happened near San Rafael in Marin County. They used rifles and stood forty yards apart. After the first shot, Showalter asked for another. Sadly, on the second shot, Piercy was killed. This event was the last known political duel in California's history.

Joining the Confederate Army

After the duel, Showalter traveled south to Los Angeles County. He joined a group of people who supported the Confederate States during the American Civil War. They wanted to go east to join the Confederate army.

This group was stopped by Union soldiers in November 1861. They were sent to Fort Yuma. Eventually, they were released after promising to support the Union. However, Showalter later went to Texas. There, he became a lieutenant colonel in the 4th Arizona Cavalry Regiment of the Confederate army.

In March 1864, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Showalter joined forces with John Salmon Ford. He led his regiment in battles around Brownsville, Texas, to remove Union troops from South Texas. After the Union troops left, Showalter's forces occupied Brownsville on June 30.

Later, during the Battle of Palmito Ranch in May 1865, Showalter's unit faced difficulties. Another officer, George Henry Giddings, helped to rally the soldiers and stabilize their defense. Showalter was then replaced as commander of the 4th Arizona.

Later Life and Death

After the American Civil War ended, Daniel Showalter moved to Mexico in August 1865. He managed a hotel in Mazatlán.

Showalter passed away in 1866 in Mazatlán, Mexico. His death was caused by lockjaw, which resulted from an injury he received during a conflict.