Elijah Gates facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elijah Gates
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| State Treasurer of Missouri | |
| In office 1877–1881 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | December 17, 1827 Garrard County, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Died | March 4, 1915 (aged 87) St. Joseph, Missouri, U.S. |
| Nationality | United States |
| Spouse | Maria Stamper |
| Children | 12 |
| Residences | Buchanan County, Missouri St. Joseph, Missouri |
| Occupation | Sheriff, politician, U.S. Marshal |
| Profession | Army officer, farmer |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Branch/service |  Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Commands | 1st Missouri Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War Battle of Pea Ridge Siege of Corinth Battle of Iuka Second Battle of Corinth Battle of Champion Hill Battle of Big Black River Siege of Vicksburg Atlanta Campaign Battle of Allatoona Battle of Franklin Battle of Fort Blakely |
Elijah Gates (born December 17, 1827, in Garrard County, Kentucky – died March 4, 1915, in St. Joseph, Missouri) was an American politician. He also served as a colonel in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Elijah Gates moved to Platte County, Missouri, around 1846. Later, he settled on a farm in Buchanan County, Missouri. In 1852, he married Maria Stamper. Together, they had twelve children.
A Soldier in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began in 1861, Elijah Gates joined the Confederate States Army.
Rising Through the Ranks
He started as a captain in the Missouri State Guard. This group was under the command of General Sterling Price. Gates was later promoted to colonel. He led the 1st Missouri Cavalry Regiment.
Key Battles and Challenges
Colonel Gates led his regiment in many important battles. These included the Battle of Pea Ridge in Arkansas in March 1862. He also fought during the Siege of Corinth in Mississippi. Other battles included Iuka, Second Corinth, Champion Hill, and Big Black River Bridge. He also took part in the Siege of Vicksburg in Mississippi.
In 1864, Gates was involved in the Atlanta Campaign. He also fought in the Battle of Allatoona in Georgia. During the Battle of Franklin in Tennessee, he lost an arm. Throughout his time in the army, he was injured five times. He was also captured by Union forces three times. Four of his horses were shot from under him.
On April 9, 1865, the war was almost over. Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant that same day. Colonel Gates was still fighting in one of the last battles. This was the Battle of Fort Blakely in Alabama.
Life After the War: Public Service
After the war ended, Gates went back to his farm. He then began a career in public service.
Serving His Community
In 1874, he was elected as the Sheriff of Buchanan County. He served in this role until 1877.
A Leader for Missouri
From 1877 to 1881, he served as the State Treasurer of Missouri. This job involves managing the state's money. After this, he became a United States Marshal. He worked for the Western District of Missouri. President Grover Cleveland appointed him to this position.
Elijah Gates also ran a transfer and bus business in St. Joseph, Missouri. He continued to be active until his death at 87 years old.
