James H. McBride facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Haggin McBride
|
|
|---|---|
James Haggin McBride
|
|
| Born | 1814 Mercer County, Kentucky |
| Died | March 1864 (aged 49–50) Yell County, Arkansas |
| Place of burial |
Bluffton Cemetery, Bluffton, Arkansas
|
| Allegiance | Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1864 |
| Rank | Confederate Missouri militia general  Colonel (CSA) |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | merchant, manufacturer, attorney |
James Haggin McBride (born 1814 – died 1864) was an important person in American history. He was a businessman, a lawyer, a banker, and a judge. He also served as a general for the Confederate side during the American Civil War. Sadly, he became very sick and passed away in 1864. He was appointed a Colonel in the Confederate Army, but was too ill to serve actively.
James McBride's Early Life and Career
James H. McBride was born in 1814 in Kentucky. When he grew up, he moved to Monroe County, Missouri. There, he became a merchant (someone who buys and sells goods) and a manufacturer (someone who makes things).
He also decided to study law and became a lawyer. He married Mildred A. Barnes. Later, James McBride moved his family to Springfield, Missouri. In Springfield, he started a successful law practice. He also became the president of the Springfield Bank.
In 1850, McBride moved to California. By 1853, he returned to Missouri. He was elected to the Missouri Legislature, representing Texas County. He was a member of the Democratic Party. In 1859, McBride moved to Houston, Missouri. In 1860, he was elected a circuit judge there.
James McBride and the Civil War
When the American Civil War began in 1861, James McBride chose to support the Confederate cause. While he was still a judge, he was appointed a brigadier general in the Missouri State Guard. This meant he was a high-ranking military leader. He was given command of its 7th Division starting May 18. The governor of Missouri, Claiborne F. Jackson, appointed him to this position.
On August 10, McBride and his soldiers fought for the first time. This was during the Battle of Wilson's Creek, near Springfield, Missouri. Even though his troops were not fully trained or equipped, they fought well. The commander of the Missouri State Guard, Sterling Price, praised them. McBride's 645 troops were in the middle of the fighting. They had 146 casualties (soldiers killed or wounded). General Price mentioned McBride and his troops for their brave service after this Confederate victory.
McBride's next battle was the Siege of Lexington. This took place from September 13 to 20, 1861. His soldiers were positioned along the Missouri River. They attacked the Union Army on September 18 and 20. Again, General McBride and his troops were praised for their bravery.
In early 1862, many Missouri State Guard soldiers were reorganized. They formed two Confederate brigades. On January 23, any remaining soldiers were placed under McBride's command. This group was renamed Missouri's 3rd Brigade of Volunteers.
On February 16, 1862, Union soldiers captured McBride. However, he was quickly exchanged. A week later, on February 23, he left his position with the state forces. He hoped to become a brigadier general in the Confederate Army. But General Price had changed his opinion of McBride. Price felt McBride did not follow rules well and that his division was not disciplined enough.
McBride was then ordered to Arkansas. His task was to organize a new infantry brigade. He was based in Izard County, Arkansas. He recruited soldiers in southwestern Missouri and northwestern Arkansas. Before he could finish this, he was ordered to join Thomas C. Hindman. Hindman was recruiting soldiers near Little Rock, Arkansas.
In 1863, McBride's health started to get worse. This forced him to stay in Arkansas until 1864. By then, the Union Army controlled the area. Even though he was appointed a colonel in the Confederate Army in 1864, McBride was too sick to even recruit soldiers. He headed south with his family, hoping to get better.
They left their home near Clarksville, Arkansas. They only made it as far as Bluffton in Yell County, Arkansas. McBride became too ill from pneumonia to continue. He passed away in March 1864. He was buried in the town's cemetery in an unmarked grave.
Remembering James McBride
A group called the J.H. McBride Camp #632 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans was named in his honor. In 1958, McBride's family asked the U.S. Government for a headstone. They placed it on his grave in Bluffton.
Douglas, one of McBride's sons, also served in the Confederate Army. He was an infantry captain. He was killed in action at Batesville, Arkansas.
