John Coburn (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Coburn
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Congressman John Coburn
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| Born | October 27, 1825 Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Died | January 28, 1908 (aged 82) Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Place of burial |
Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, Indiana
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 33rd Indiana Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
John Coburn (born October 27, 1825 – died January 28, 1908) was an important person from Indiana. He served as a Representative in the U.S. Congress. He was also an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Contents
John Coburn's Early Life and Military Service
Growing Up and Starting a Career
John Coburn was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1825. This was the same year Indianapolis became the capital city of Indiana. He went to public schools there.
Later, he attended Wabash College and finished his studies in 1846. While at college, he helped start a student group called Beta Theta Pi. This was the first group of its kind at the college.
After college, he studied law. He became a lawyer in 1849 and started working in Indianapolis. In 1850, he was a member of the Indiana House of Representatives. From 1859 to 1861, he worked as a judge.
A Soldier in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, John Coburn left his job as a judge. He joined the Union Army. On September 16, 1861, he became a colonel leading the 33rd Indiana Infantry.
He was captured in Kentucky and held in a prison called Libby Prison. After some time, he was set free in a prisoner exchange.
Later, Colonel Coburn fought alongside another important officer, Colonel Benjamin Harrison. They served under General William Tecumseh Sherman. Coburn and his troops were the first to enter Atlanta during a big battle. They helped secure the city's surrender. There is a special marker in downtown Atlanta where the city gave up to Coburn. He finished his military service on September 20, 1864.
In 1866, President Andrew Johnson gave Coburn an honorary rank. He became a brevet brigadier general. This means he was recognized for his brave service.
Helping His Community
John Coburn and his father helped save the Indiana Historical Society. This group keeps important papers and records about Indiana's history.
Coburn also gave a speech for the dedication of the Indianapolis Soldiers and Sailors Monument. This monument honors soldiers and sailors.
He also helped create the Indiana Soldiers' and Sailors' Children's Home. This home was for children whose parents were soldiers or sailors. He also helped get land for Garfield Park in Indianapolis.
John Coburn lived in Indianapolis with his wife, Caroline, until he passed away in 1908.
John Coburn's Time in Government
Serving in Congress
In March 1865, John Coburn was chosen to be the first secretary of the Montana Territory. However, he quickly resigned from this job.
In October 1865, he was elected as a judge in Indiana again. He served until July 1866.
Later, he was elected to the U.S. Congress as a Republican. He served from March 4, 1867, to March 3, 1875. While in Congress, he led a committee that looked at how the government spent money. He was also a member of the committee that dealt with military matters. He tried to be re-elected in 1874 but was not successful.
A Judge in Montana
After leaving Congress, John Coburn was appointed as a judge for the highest court in the Montana Territory. He served there from February 1884 to December 1885.
He then returned to Indianapolis and continued to work as a lawyer. He died in Indianapolis on January 28, 1908. He was buried in Crown Hill Cemetery.
