James Alexander Williamson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James A. Williamson
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James Alexander Williamson
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| Born | February 8, 1829 Columbia, Kentucky |
| Died | September 7, 1902 (aged 73) Jamestown, Rhode Island |
| Place of burial |
Rock Creek Cemetery, Washington, D.C.
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861 - 1865 |
| Rank |  Brevet Major General |
| Commands held | 4th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | lawyer, politician, President of the Atlantic & Pacific R.R. |
This article refers to the US Union General. For the English Historian, see James Williamson (historian)
James A. Williamson (born February 8, 1829 – died September 7, 1902) was an important person in American history. He was a lawyer and also involved in politics. During the American Civil War, he fought for the Union army. He became a brigadier general, which is a high rank. Williamson was even awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Battle of Chickasaw Bayou.
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Early Life and Career
James A. Williamson was born in Columbia, Kentucky in 1829. When he was about 15 years old, his family moved to Iowa. There, he worked as a farmer for some time. Later, he studied law and became a lawyer. Before the Civil War, he was a leader in Iowa's Democratic political party.
Military Service in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began in 1861, Williamson joined the army. He volunteered for the 4th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
Early Battles and Promotions
Williamson started as a first lieutenant. He fought in the Battle of Pea Ridge and was wounded on the first day. Despite his injury, he continued to serve. On March 4, 1862, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel. Then, on July 21, 1862, he became a full colonel.
Colonel Williamson and his regiment were stationed in Helena, Arkansas during the fall of 1862. In December, he joined General William Tecumseh Sherman's forces. They attacked Confederate troops at the Battle of Chickasaw Bayou. Williamson was wounded again in this battle. Years later, in 1895, he received the Medal of Honor for his brave actions there.
Key Campaigns and High Ranks
Williamson recovered from his wounds and took part in the important Vicksburg Campaign. This included the long Siege of Vicksburg. After the city fell, he commanded a brigade, which is a large group of soldiers.
He later led the 2nd Brigade during the Battle of Lookout Mountain. His division was temporarily part of General Joseph Hooker's forces. Williamson then led his brigade during the Atlanta Campaign. He was wounded in the hand at the Battle of Jonesborough.
On December 19, 1864, he was given a special promotion to brigadier general of U.S. Volunteers. This is called a "brevet" promotion, meaning it was an honorary rank for his good service. On January 13, 1865, he received a full promotion to brigadier general. Then, on March 13, 1865, he received another brevet promotion, this time to major general of volunteers.
In the summer of 1865, he briefly commanded the District of St. Louis. He was officially discharged from the volunteer service on August 24, 1865. However, he was on an inspection tour in the West and did not find out until October 1865.
Life After the War
In 1864, while still serving in the army, Williamson was chosen to lead Iowa's group at the National Republican Convention. This was a big political meeting in Baltimore. He could not attend because of his military duties.
After the war, Williamson returned to Iowa and continued his law practice. From 1876 to 1881, he served as the Commissioner of the General Land Office. This office managed public lands for the U.S. government. During this time, he also led the Public Land Commission, which Congress created in 1879. Later in his life, he became the President of the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad.
James A. Williamson passed away in Jamestown, Rhode Island on September 7, 1902.
