James C. Veatch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James C. Veatch
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James C. Veatch, c. 1862
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| Born | December 19, 1819 Elizabeth, Indiana |
| Died | December 22, 1895 (aged 76) Rockport, Indiana |
| Buried |
Sunset Hill Cemetery, Rockport, Indiana
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General Brevet Major General |
| Commands held | 25th Regiment Indiana Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | lawyer, Indiana Legislator, IRS collector |
James Clifford Veatch (born December 19, 1819 – died December 22, 1895) was an important person in American history. He was a lawyer and a politician in Indiana. During the American Civil War, he became a general for the Union Army. He led soldiers in many big battles, mostly in the western part of the country.
Early Life and Career
James Veatch was born in 1819 near Elizabeth, Indiana. His father, Isaac Veatch, was a member of the Indiana House of Representatives. Sadly, his father died in 1833. James's grandfather and great-grandfather also fought for America in the American Revolution.
James went to local schools and had private teachers. He studied law and became a lawyer. He opened his own law office in Elizabethtown. For many years, he worked as the auditor for Spencer County, Indiana. This job meant he managed the county's money. When the Civil War started, he was serving as a state legislator, which means he helped make laws for Indiana.
Civil War Service
When the Civil War began, James Veatch joined the Union army. He became a colonel, leading the 25th Regiment Indiana Infantry. He showed great bravery in his first big battle, the Battle of Fort Donelson. After that, he took command of a larger group of soldiers, a brigade, at the Battle of Shiloh. A major named John W. Foster said that Colonel Veatch was very courageous. He was always with his soldiers in the middle of the fighting.
In April 1862, James Veatch was promoted to brigadier general. He continued to lead his brigade during the Siege of Corinth and the Battle of Hatchie's Bridge. He was wounded in this battle. For the next year, General Veatch was in charge of the Memphis area.
He then led a division of soldiers during the Meridian Expedition. His division later joined General William T. Sherman's army for the Atlanta Campaign. They fought in several major battles, including Resaca, Dallas, and Kennesaw Mountain.
General Veatch had to take a break from fighting in July 1864 because he was sick. When he returned, he was sent to Memphis to wait for new orders. He briefly commanded the District of West Tennessee. Later, he was sent to the Department of the Gulf. There, he led a division in the XIII Corps and took part in the Battle of Fort Blakeley. In March 1865, he was given the honorary rank of major general. He left the army in August of that year, after the war ended.
Post-War Life
After the war, James Veatch continued to serve his state. In 1869, he became the Indiana Adjutant General. This role meant he was the chief military officer for the state. He was also active in groups for veterans, like the Grand Army of the Republic. He was also a member of the Freemasons.
From 1870 to 1883, he worked as a collector of internal revenue taxes. This means he helped the government collect taxes. James C. Veatch passed away on December 22, 1895, in Rockport, Indiana. He was buried at Sunset Hill Cemetery. He had three children, and his family continues to live on.
