Daniel Weisiger Adams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Daniel Weisiger Adams
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D. W. Adams as a Confederate General
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| Born | May 1, 1821 Frankfort, Kentucky |
| Died | June 13, 1872 (aged 51) New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Place of burial |
Greenwood Cemetery, Jackson, Mississippi
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| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
 Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands held |  1st Louisiana Regulars |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War -Battle of Shiloh -Battle of Perryville -Battle of Stones River -Battle of Chickamauga -Battle of Selma |
| Relations | Brother of William Wirt Adams |
Daniel Weisiger Adams (born May 1, 1821 – died June 13, 1872) was a lawyer. He also became a brigadier general in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War.
Contents
Early Life and Career
Daniel Adams was born in Frankfort, Kentucky. His parents were George and Anna Adams. His brother, William Wirt Adams, also became a Confederate general.
In 1825, Daniel's family moved to Mississippi. He studied law and became a lawyer there.
He also served as a second lieutenant in the Mississippi state militia. From 1852 to 1856, he was a member of the Mississippi legislature, serving in the Mississippi State Senate.
In 1852, Adams moved to New Orleans, Louisiana. He became well-known in the city's political and social groups. His law practice grew to be one of the largest in New Orleans.
Serving in the Civil War
After Abraham Lincoln became president in 1860, Louisiana left the United States. In early 1861, Louisiana Governor Thomas O. Moore chose Adams to join a military board. This board helped prepare the state for war.
Adams was later made a lieutenant colonel in the 1st Louisiana Regulars. This was an infantry regiment in the Confederate Army. On October 30, 1861, he was promoted to colonel. This happened after his regiment moved to Pensacola, Florida.
Battle of Shiloh and First Injury
At the Battle of Shiloh, Adams's brigade commander was killed. Adams then took charge of the brigade. Soon after, he was hurt during fighting at a place called the Hornet's Nest.
A bullet hit Adams above his left eye. It came out behind his left ear. This injury damaged his optic nerve, making him blind in his left eye. Soldiers found him and realized he was still alive. After resting for a month, he was able to return to his duties.
Promotions and More Battles
On May 23, 1862, Adams was promoted to brigadier general. He led his brigade in the battles of Perryville and Stones River. At Stones River, on December 31, 1862, he was wounded again. This time, his left arm was injured.
Adams returned to duty in early 1863. He led his brigade during the siege of Jackson, Mississippi. This was under the command of General Joseph E. Johnston.
Battle of Chickamauga and Capture
Under General Braxton Bragg, Adams's brigade fought at the Chickamauga. On the second day of the battle, Adams's brigade broke through the Union lines. However, Union Army reinforcements pushed them back. Adams was wounded again in his left arm and was captured by Union forces.
Later Commands and Surrender
When Adams recovered and was exchanged, he briefly led a cavalry brigade. In 1864, he became the commander of the District of Central Alabama. In 1865, he commanded the State of Alabama, North of Gulf Department.
Adams wanted to become a major general, but he remained a brigadier general. He fought in the Battle of Selma in 1865. He also took part in the Battle of Columbus, Georgia, that same year. Adams surrendered to Union forces in Meridian, Mississippi on May 9. He then promised his loyalty to the United States.
After the War
After the Civil War ended, Adams spent some time in England. He then came back to New Orleans to work as a lawyer. He practiced law with Harry T. Hays, who was also a Confederate general.
Adams lived in New York City for a while, working in real estate. Later, he moved back to New Orleans. He continued his law practice and became involved in state politics.
On June 13, 1872, Daniel Weisiger Adams died in his office. He had a massive stroke. He is buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Jackson, Mississippi. He rests next to his brother, William Wirt Adams.
See also
- List of American Civil War generals (Confederate)
- William Wirt Adams
- Reed N. Weisiger
Images for kids
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D. W. Adams as a Confederate General
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Pre-Civil War Portrait of Daniel W. Adams
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Bust of Adams at Vicksburg National Military Park
