John Dunovant facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Dunovant
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John Dunovant
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| Born | March 5, 1825 Chester, South Carolina |
| Died | October 1, 1864 (aged 39) near the James River, Petersburg, Virginia |
| Buried |
Private Family Cemetery
Chester, South Carolina |
| Allegiance |  United States of America Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1846–1847; 1855–1860 (USA) 1861–1864 (CSA) |
| Rank |  Captain (USA) ColonelBrigadier General (temporary) |
| Unit | Palmetto Regiment 10th U.S. Infantry Regiment |
| Commands held | Fort Moultrie 1st South Carolina Regulars 5th South Carolina Cavalry Dunovant's Cavalry Brigade |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War |
John Dunovant was a brigadier general in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. He was from South Carolina and had served as a captain in the U.S. Army before the war. Dunovant also fought in the Mexican–American War. During the Civil War, he led the 1st South Carolina Regulars and later the 5th South Carolina Cavalry Regiment. He was in charge of a cavalry brigade during the later part of the Overland Campaign and the start of the Siege of Petersburg. John Dunovant was killed in battle on October 1, 1864, at the Battle of Vaughan Road.
Early Life and Military Beginnings
John Dunovant was born in Chester, South Carolina, in 1825. His parents were John Dunovant and Margaret Sloan Quay. His brother, Richard Dunovant, also became a brigadier general in the South Carolina militia. Richard was also a colonel and a politician.
John Dunovant first joined the military as a sergeant. He was part of the Palmetto Regiment of South Carolina volunteers. This was during the Mexican–American War. He was wounded in a battle called the Battle of Chapultepec. Dunovant finished his service with the volunteers in December 1847.
Later, in March 1855, Dunovant became a captain in the regular U.S. Army. He joined the 10th Infantry Regiment. He stayed in the U.S. Army until December 1860. This was just a few days after South Carolina decided to leave the Union. He then offered his military skills to his home state.
Serving in the American Civil War
When the Civil War began, John Dunovant was a major in the South Carolina militia. He was involved in the first Confederate actions at Fort Sumter. During the attack on Fort Sumter, he was active at Fort Moultrie. In July 1861, he became a colonel. He led the 1st South Carolina Regulars. His unit was stationed on Sullivan's Island and at Fort Moultrie for some time.
In July 1863, Dunovant was given a new chance to lead. He took command of the 5th South Carolina Cavalry Regiment. He served his state in this role. In May 1864, his regiment was sent to Virginia. There, they joined a brigade led by Brigadier General Matthew C. Butler. This brigade was part of Major General Wade Hampton's cavalry division.
Dunovant and his regiment fought bravely in many battles. They performed well at the Second Battle of Drewry's Bluff in May 1864. They also fought against Philip Sheridan's cavalry. Dunovant's leadership was praised in battles like Battle of Cold Harbor and Battle of Trevilian Station. These fights were part of the Overland Campaign and the early Siege of Petersburg. He was wounded in his left hand at the Battle of Haw's Shop in May 1864. His actions helped him regain his good standing as a leader.
Because of his brave service, President Jefferson Davis suggested Dunovant's promotion. On August 22, 1864, he was made a brigadier general. This was a temporary rank. He commanded a brigade under General Hampton. He held this command until his death about six weeks later.
Death in Battle
In September 1864, Dunovant faced a difficult situation during a night patrol. He was leading a regiment. They met some pickets, who were guard soldiers. Dunovant believed they were his own men. However, his officers realized the pickets were Union soldiers. Dunovant insisted his men be allowed to pass. He sent a captain forward to identify his command. Only after the captain was captured and the Union pickets started firing did Dunovant realize his mistake.
John Dunovant was killed on October 1, 1864. This happened during the fighting at the Battle of Vaughan Road. This battle was part of the larger Battle of Peebles' Farm. He was shot while leading a charge against the Union position. Major General Matthew Butler had wanted to attack the Union forces from the side. But Dunovant strongly wanted to lead a direct charge. Butler finally let him lead his troops forward. Dunovant was quickly shot down, and his troops retreated. Union Sergeant James T. Clancy of the 1st New Jersey Volunteer Cavalry was credited with the shot that killed General Dunovant.
General Robert E. Lee was saddened by the news of Dunovant's death. He told General Hampton, "I grieve with you at the loss of General Dunovant... two officers whom it will be difficult to replace."
John Dunovant was buried in a family burial plot. It is located about 3 miles (4.8 km) southeast of Chester, South Carolina.
