David B. McKibbin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Bell McKibbin
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McKibbin around 1863, when he led the 158th Pennsylvania Infantry
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| Born | 5 April 1831 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Died | 8 November 1890 (aged 59) Washington, D.C., United States |
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| Allegiance | United States |
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United States Army |
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| Rank | Colonel (Pennsylvania Volunteers) Brevet Brigadier General |
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David Bell McKibbin (born April 5, 1831 – died November 8, 1890) was an officer in the United States Army. He was given the special rank of brevet brigadier general near the end of the American Civil War. A "brevet" rank is an honorary promotion for brave service, but it doesn't always come with higher pay or command.
McKibbin was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He studied at the United States Military Academy (West Point). He served in the Mexican–American War but had to leave due to illness. He rejoined the army in 1855. He fought in the Puget Sound War in Washington Territory. When the American Civil War started in 1861, he moved east. As a leader in the 14th Infantry Regiment, McKibbin fought in major battles. These included the Seven Days Battles, the Second Battle of Bull Run, and the Battle of Antietam.
From late 1862 to mid-1863, he led the 158th Pennsylvania Infantry in Virginia and North Carolina. In May 1864, he took command of the 14th Infantry. He was captured at the Battle of Bethesda Church less than a month later. While a prisoner of war, McKibbin received two honorary promotions for his actions. He was released later that year. He returned to the 14th Infantry but did not fight in more battles. In 1865, he was made a brevet brigadier general for his service. After the war, he led the 214th Pennsylvania Infantry on guard duty. He continued his army career but retired due to health problems from being a prisoner.
Early Life and First Army Service
David Bell McKibbin was born in Pittsburgh on April 5, 1831. He was the sixth child of Chambers McKibbin, a local politician and banker. Several of his brothers also became Army officers.
He was accepted into the United States Military Academy at West Point on July 1, 1846. He took a break from school from November 1847 to June 1848 due to illness. During this time, he served as a volunteer helper (called an aide-de-camp) to General James Monroe Bankhead in the Mexican–American War. After returning to West Point, he left the academy on October 31, 1848. This was because he caught a fever during his service in Mexico.
McKibbin joined the new 9th Infantry as a 2nd lieutenant on March 3, 1855. He helped recruit new soldiers. Then he served with his regiment at Fort Monroe. He was sent to California and then to Washington Territory. There, he fought in the Puget Sound War. He was recognized for his bravery in battle. From July to December 1858, he led the group protecting the team surveying the border with Canada.
American Civil War
As tensions grew before the American Civil War, McKibbin was promoted to 1st lieutenant on March 1, 1861. When the war began, he was ordered to Washington, D.C. He became a captain on May 14. He commanded Company H in the new 14th Infantry.
He helped gather soldiers for his regiment in New Jersey and New York. In August, he joined the Army of the Potomac with his regiment. He showed great courage at the Battle of Gaines's Mill and during the Seven Days Battles. He fought alongside his brother Chambers in these battles. On August 30, 1862, he was wounded in the head at the Second Battle of Bull Run. At the Battle of Antietam on September 17, he led the 2nd Battalion of his regiment. They helped protect artillery guns near Antietam Creek.
On November 24, McKibbin became a Colonel of the 158th Pennsylvania Infantry. He led this regiment in Virginia and North Carolina. After his regiment was disbanded in August 1863, McKibbin became an aide to General Romeyn B. Ayres. He served in this role from September to November. He then worked at a draft center in Wisconsin until May 1864.
When he returned in May, he took command of the 14th Infantry. The regiment was smaller now. On June 2, 1864, he was wounded twice and captured at the Battle of Bethesda Church. This happened during the Overland Campaign.
On August 1, 1864, he received two honorary promotions. He was made a brevet major for his brave service at the Battle of North Anna. He also became a brevet lieutenant colonel for his actions at Bethesda Church. McKibbin was held as a prisoner of war in several places. These included Libby Prison and prisons in Georgia and South Carolina. He was released in October but stayed at a parole camp until December. He then rejoined the 14th Infantry in New York. From February to April 1865, he helped recruit new soldiers.
On March 13, 1865, McKibbin was given two more honorary promotions. He became a brevet colonel and a brevet brigadier general. These were for his "gallant and meritorious service" during the war. On April 5, McKibbin became the Colonel of the 214th Pennsylvania Infantry. He led this regiment in the Army of the Shenandoah and on guard duty in Washington, D.C. His regiment was disbanded on April 30, 1866.
Later Life
After the war, McKibbin took some time off. In September 1866, he moved to the 32nd Infantry. He then became a major in the 10th Infantry in September 1867. He commanded a post on Davids' Island while recruiting soldiers until September 1868. He then took more time off.
From March 1869 to February 1870, McKibbin helped with the reconstruction efforts in Virginia. This was a time when the country was rebuilding after the Civil War. He then worked on recruiting duty until January 1871. In December 1870, he transferred to the 10th Cavalry.
McKibbin joined his new regiment in the Indian Territory in March 1871. However, he soon went on sick leave due to health issues. He returned to his regiment but continued to take sick leave often. He served at Fort Richardson in Texas. On May 31, 1875, he retired from the army. This was due to long-term health problems, including rheumatism and weakness on his left side. These problems were a result of his time as a prisoner of war.
David Bell McKibbin died from throat cancer in Washington, D.C., on November 8, 1890. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Personal Life
Before the Civil War, David McKibbin married Jennie Frances Young. Their son, Chambers Hawthrone, was born in Washington Territory in January 1861. He also became an Army officer. Sadly, Jennie died in childbirth in June 1862 at age 24.
After the Civil War, McKibbin married Marion Wolfersberger. She outlived him and died in February 1901. She was buried next to him at Arlington National Cemetery.
After the war, McKibbin became an active member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. This was a group for Union Army officers who had served in the war.
