John Allen Wilcox facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Allen Wilcox
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Mississippi's 2nd district |
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| In office 1851 - 1853 |
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| First Confederate Congress | |
| In office 1861-1862 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | April 18, 1819 Greene County, North Carolina |
| Died | February 7, 1864 (aged 44) Richmond, Virginia |
| Resting place | Hollywood Cemetery Richmond, Virginia |
| Political party | Whig |
| Profession | Politician, Lawyer |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America Confederate States of America |
| Branch/service |  United States Army Confederate States Army |
| Rank |  Colonel (CSA) |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War American Civil War |
John Allen Wilcox (born April 18, 1819 – died February 7, 1864) was an important politician from Mississippi and Texas. He served in the United States House of Representatives in the 1850s. Later, during the American Civil War, he was part of the Confederate Congress.
Contents
John Allen Wilcox: A Life in Politics and War
Early Life and Career
John Allen Wilcox was born on April 18, 1819, in Greene County, North Carolina. His parents were Ruben and Sarah Wilcox. He had a brother named Cadmus Wilcox, who later became a general in the Confederate States Army.
His family likely moved to Tipton County, Tennessee, where John grew up and went to school. Later, he moved to Mississippi and started his political career. He worked as the secretary for the State Senate in Mississippi.
Serving in the Mexican-American War
Wilcox joined the United States Army during the Mexican–American War. This war took place from 1846 to 1848 between the United States and Mexico. He served as a lieutenant colonel in the 2nd Mississippi Volunteer Infantry.
After the war ended, he went back to Mississippi. He began working as a lawyer in Aberdeen.
A Member of the U.S. Congress
In 1850, John Allen Wilcox was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He was a member of the Whig Party at that time. He served one term in Congress.
Two years later, in 1852, he ran for re-election but was not successful. In 1853, he moved to San Antonio, Texas, and continued his work as a lawyer. He later joined the Democratic Party in 1858.
Role in the American Civil War
As discussions about states leaving the United States grew, Wilcox became a strong supporter of states' rights. This idea meant that individual states should have more power than the national government.
In 1861, he was chosen as a delegate for Texas's Secession Convention. This meeting decided if Texas would leave the United States. Wilcox helped write the document that declared Texas's secession.
Serving in the Confederate Congress
In November 1861, Wilcox was elected to the First Confederate Congress. This was the government of the Southern states that had seceded. He traveled to Richmond, Virginia, which was the capital of the Confederacy.
In Congress, he worked on different committees. He strongly supported the policies of President Jefferson Davis. He also helped gather new soldiers and organize the Texas Brigade for the Confederate army.
Military Service in the Confederacy
After his term in Congress ended, Wilcox joined the Confederate States Army. He became a volunteer aide to Major General John B. Magruder. He was given the rank of colonel.
Wilcox took part in the Battle of Galveston. This was an important battle in Texas during the Civil War.
Later Life and Death
John Allen Wilcox was elected to the Second Confederate Congress. However, he died unexpectedly in Richmond, Virginia, before he could take his seat. He passed away on February 7, 1864, from a sudden illness.
He was buried in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond. After his death, his wife and two young children were cared for by his brother, General Cadmus M. Wilcox.
