John C. Kelton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John Cunningham Kelton
Born	(1828-06-24)June 24, 1828 Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Died	July 15, 1893(1893-07-15) (aged 65) Washington, D.C.
Place of Burial	United States Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery
Allegiance	United States of America Union
Service/branch	United States Army Union Army
Years of service	1851–1892
Rank	Brigadier General
Commands held	Adjutant General of the U.S. Army
Battles/wars	American Civil War Siege of Corinth
Relations	Allan C. Kelton (brother)
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John Cunningham Kelton (born June 24, 1828 – died July 15, 1893) was an important officer in the United States Army. He held a high position as the Adjutant General of the U.S. Army from 1889 to 1892. This means he was in charge of many important administrative tasks for the army.

Early Life and Military Training

John Kelton was born in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. He went to the United States Military Academy and finished his studies in 1851. After graduating, he joined the 6th Infantry. His first assignment was on the northwestern frontier.

In 1855, he moved to Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. There, he was promoted to 1st lieutenant. He also worked as an assistant instructor at West Point in 1857 and again in 1859. He taught soldiers about infantry tactics.

Service During the Civil War

When the American Civil War started, Kelton took on important roles. He became the Chief Purchasing Commissary in St. Louis. His job was to buy supplies for soldiers in the West. He then served as an Assistant Adjutant General. This role meant he helped manage army operations.

In 1861, Kelton became a Colonel in the 9th Missouri Volunteers. He later resigned this position in March 1862. He then served as Assistant Adjutant General for the Department of Mississippi. He was present during the Siege of Corinth, an important battle. For his valuable work during the war, he was promoted to brevet colonel and then to brevet brigadier general. A "brevet" rank is a temporary higher rank given for good service.

Post-War Career and Retirement

In April 1865, after the war, Kelton joined the Adjutant General's Department. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in March 1866. In July 1870, he became the adjutant general for the Division of the Pacific. He stayed in this role until September 1885. During this time, he was promoted to colonel in June 1880.

In October 1885, he returned to Washington, D.C. He continued working in the Adjutant General's Department. In June 1889, he reached a very high position. He was appointed the Adjutant General of the U.S. Army. He held the rank of brigadier general. He retired from the army in June 1892.

After retiring from the army, Kelton became the governor of the Soldier's Home in Washington. He served there until he passed away in July 1893. He is buried in the cemetery at the Soldier's Home. This cemetery is now known as the United States Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery.