James W. McMillan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Winning McMillan
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James Winning McMillan in 1865
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| Born | April 28, 1825 Clark County, Kentucky |
| Died | March 9, 1903 (aged 77) Washington, D.C. |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1846, 1848, 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Brevet Major General |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War American Civil War |
James Winning McMillan (born April 28, 1825 – died March 9, 1903) was an American soldier. He fought in the Mexican–American War. Later, he became a Union Army general during the American Civil War.
Contents
Early Life and Military Start
James McMillan was born in Clark County, Kentucky, in 1825. He moved around a lot when he was young. In 1846, he was in Illinois. He volunteered to fight in the Mexican–American War.
By June 20, he was a sergeant in the 4th Illinois Infantry Regiment. He left the army on October 13. In 1848, McMillan joined the 3rd Battalion of the Louisiana Infantry. He was a private from April 29 to July 13. After the war, McMillan moved to Indiana. There, he worked in different businesses.
Fighting in the Civil War
When the American Civil War started in 1861, McMillan chose to support the Union. He became a colonel of the 21st Indiana Infantry. This happened on July 24 in Indianapolis.
Defending New Orleans and Baton Rouge
His regiment helped the Union take over New Orleans in early 1862. This was led by Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler. McMillan's regiment then helped defend Baton Rouge on August 5, 1862. They fought against Confederate forces. These forces were led by Maj. Gen. John C. Breckinridge. In this battle, 126 of McMillan's men were killed or wounded. He was also wounded in his left arm and chest.
Promotions and Key Battles
After the fight at Baton Rouge, McMillan's regiment was stationed at Berwick Bay. This was near the Atchafalaya River. In February 1863, the 21st Indiana became the 1st Regiment Indiana Heavy Artillery. McMillan was promoted to brigadier general on November 29, 1862.
With this new rank, McMillan led a brigade. Sometimes he even led a division in the XIX Corps. This was from March 1863 to May 1864. He took part in the Red River Campaign in the spring of 1864. He fought in the Battle of Mansfield on April 8. He also fought in the Battle of Monett's Ferry on April 23. During the Battle of Mansfield in De Soto Parish, Louisiana, McMillan's division helped. They formed a strong line for Union soldiers to regroup on during a retreat.
Shenandoah Valley Campaign
In July 1864, the XIX Corps moved east. They went to the Valley of Virginia. They joined Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan's Army of the Shenandoah. McMillan and his division fought in the Battle of Winchester on September 19. He was wounded when a shell fragment hit his head.
On October 19, McMillan fought bravely at the Battle of Cedar Creek. He again helped fleeing Union soldiers regroup. This helped lead to a big defeat for Lt. Gen. Jubal A. Early's Confederate forces.
After the Valley campaign, McMillan led a temporary division. This was in March 1865, with his base in Grafton, West Virginia. He stayed there until the war ended in April. McMillan was given the honorary rank of brevet major general on March 5. This was for his service during the war. He left the Union Army on May 15.
Life After the War
After leaving the army, McMillan moved to Kansas. In 1875, he moved to Washington, D.C. He started working for the Pension Bureau. He was part of a review board there. He held this job until 1903.
James McMillan died in Washington, D.C., on March 9, 1903. He was buried with full military honors. His grave is in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
Images for kids
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Brevet Maj. Gen. James McMillan (left, seated) and his staff in 1865
