John Azor Kellogg facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Azor Kellogg
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| Member of the Wisconsin Senate from the 21st district |
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| In office January 8, 1879 – January 12, 1881 |
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| Preceded by | Henry Mumbrue |
| Succeeded by | Charles F. Crosby |
| District Attorney of Juneau County | |
| In office January 1, 1861 – April 1861 |
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| Preceded by | Richard Smith |
| Succeeded by | P. R. Briggs |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 16, 1828 Bethany, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | February 10, 1883 (aged 54) Wausau, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Resting place | Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Adelaide Worthington |
| Children | 5 |
| Alma mater | University of Wisconsin–Madison |
| Profession | Lawyer |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank | |
| Unit | Army of the Potomac |
| Commands | |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
John Azor Kellogg (born March 16, 1828 – died February 10, 1883) was an American lawyer and politician from Wisconsin. He was also an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Kellogg helped start the Republican Party.
Contents
Early Life and Law Career
John Azor Kellogg was born in Bethany, Pennsylvania. When he was 12, his family moved to Sauk County, Wisconsin. At 18, he began studying law at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
In 1852, Kellogg married Adelaide Worthington. They had five children together. He became a lawyer in 1857 and moved to Mauston, Wisconsin. In 1860, he was elected as the District Attorney for Juneau County. However, he left this job in April 1861 to join the Union Army.
Serving in the Civil War
John Kellogg played a big part in forming Company K of the 6th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He became a First Lieutenant in May 1861. His regiment joined three others from Wisconsin and Indiana to form a special group. This group later became famous as the Iron Brigade. They fought with the Army of the Potomac for most of the war.
Promotions and Escapes
Kellogg was promoted to Captain in December 1861. In 1863, he became an adjutant, helping with administrative tasks for the brigade. He returned to his regiment in 1864.
On May 5, 1864, during the Battle of the Wilderness, Kellogg was injured. People thought he had died, but he had actually been captured. He was held as a prisoner in Virginia and then Georgia. He tried to escape while being moved to Charleston, South Carolina, but was caught again.
However, on October 15, he escaped a second time while being transferred to Columbia, South Carolina. This time, he succeeded! He traveled 350 miles and reached Union forces near Calhoun, Georgia.
While he was a prisoner, Kellogg received promotions to Major and then Lieutenant Colonel. In December 1864, he became the Colonel of the 6th Wisconsin Volunteer Regiment. By February 1865, he was in charge of the entire Iron Brigade. He led the brigade through the final battles of the Appomattox Campaign. He left the army in August 1865. Later, he was given the honorary rank of Brevet Brigadier General for his brave service.
Life After the War
After the Civil War, Kellogg moved to La Crosse, Wisconsin. From 1866 to 1875, he worked as a U.S. Pension Agent there. This job helped soldiers and their families get their pensions.
In 1875, Kellogg and his family moved to Wausau, Wisconsin. He went back to working as a lawyer. He stayed involved with the Republican Party throughout his life. In 1878, he was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate.
Published Works
John Kellogg wrote articles about his experiences during the Civil War. In 1908, these articles were put together and published as a book called Capture and Escape: A Narrative of Army and Prison Life.
