John A. Poindexter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John A. Poindexter
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| Born | October 12, 1825 Montgomery County, Kentucky |
| Died | April 14, 1869 (aged 43) Randolph County, Missouri |
| Place of burial |
Antioch Cemetery, near Moberly, Missouri
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| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
 Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1862 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War *Siege of Lexington *Battle of Roan's Tan Yard *Battle of Pea Ridge *Battle of Compton's Ferry *Battle of Yellow Creek |
John A. Poindexter (born October 12, 1825 – died April 14, 1869) was a colonel in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. He and Joseph C. Porter were important leaders who helped recruit soldiers in northern Missouri in 1862.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
John A. Poindexter was born in Montgomery County, Kentucky. His parents were David and Elizabeth (Watts) Poindexter. He first married Melissa Lucas, and they had a daughter named Mary E. Poindexter. After Melissa passed away, he married Martha K. "Mattie" Hayes in 1857. By 1860, records show he was a successful merchant in Scott County, Kentucky.
Poindexter's Role in the Civil War
When the Civil War began, Poindexter was living in Missouri. In June 1861, he became a captain of Company A, 1st Cavalry Regiment, in the 3rd Division of the Missouri State Guard.
Early Actions and Promotions
In August 1861, Captain Poindexter and his soldiers stopped a train and took federal money. He then led several independent companies during the Siege of Lexington. After this battle, on September 24, 1861, he was chosen to be a colonel of the 5th Infantry Regiment in the Missouri State Guard's Third Division.
Challenges in Recruiting
While trying to recruit more soldiers in Howard County, Missouri, Poindexter and his regiment were surprised by enemy forces. They were defeated on January 7, 1862, at the Battle of Roan's Tan Yard. This battle caused his command to scatter, meaning his soldiers were spread out and disorganized.
Major Battles and Injuries
Poindexter later led a combined group of soldiers from the 4th and 5th Cavalry regiments of the Missouri State Guard at the Battle of Pea Ridge. He was slightly wounded during this fight. After the Confederate forces lost this battle, Poindexter went back to northern Missouri to recruit more soldiers.
He managed to get new recruits, but his efforts were not very successful after that. Another Union commander, Odon Guitar, defeated Joseph C. Porter's forces. Guitar then focused his attention on Poindexter. In August, Guitar's troops attacked and completely scattered Poindexter's new, inexperienced recruits at the Battle of Compton's Ferry. Another fight followed at the Battle of Yellow Creek.
Capture and Later Life
Poindexter was seriously wounded and captured on September 1. He never served the Confederacy again after his capture.
After the War
After being captured, Poindexter was held by Union authorities. They considered putting him on trial. However, Poindexter eventually stated publicly that he did not support guerrilla warfare (a type of fighting where small groups use surprise attacks). He was then allowed to return home for the rest of the war, under a special agreement.
In August 1864, Poindexter had to leave his home. He was worried about both Union supporters who saw him as a "bushwhacker" (a term for irregular fighters) and Southern supporters who thought he was a traitor. He sought protection from Union authorities.
His health never fully recovered from his wounds and time in captivity. John A. Poindexter passed away on April 14, 1869. He is buried at Antioch Cemetery, which is near Moberly, Missouri.
