John F. Weston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John F. Weston
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| Born | November 13, 1845 Kentucky |
| Died | August 3, 1917 (aged 71) |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865, 1867–1909 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Unit |  4th Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Cavalry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War Spanish–American War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
John F. Weston (November 13, 1845 – August 3, 1917) was a brave American soldier. He fought for the Union Army during the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery in the U.S. military. He earned it for a daring mission against enemy ships. Later, he became a general in the Spanish–American War. Weston retired from the U.S. Army in 1909 as a major general. He also served as the highest-ranking U.S. Army officer in the Philippines for a time.
Contents
A Soldier's Journey: John F. Weston
Early Life and Joining the Army
John Francis Weston was born in Kentucky. When he was just 16 years old, he joined the Union Army on November 26, 1861. He became part of the 4th Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Cavalry. This was a difficult time for his family. His father supported the Confederacy, and his uncle and brother joined the Confederate States Army. Despite this, John chose to fight for the Union. He quickly moved up in rank, becoming a captain in 1863 and a major in 1864.
A Daring Act and the Medal of Honor
On April 13, 1865, Major Weston took part in a special mission. The goal was to destroy Confederate supply boats near Wetumpka, Alabama. In a very bold move, Weston and only five other soldiers managed to capture these boats. This brave action earned him the Medal of Honor many years later, on April 9, 1898. After the war ended, Weston left the volunteer army on August 21, 1865.
Returning to Military Service
After the Civil War, Weston started studying law. However, he soon decided that army life was for him. He rejoined the regular U.S. Army on August 9, 1867. He became a second lieutenant in the famous 7th Cavalry Regiment. He continued to earn promotions, becoming a first lieutenant in 1868 and a captain in 1875. He also took on roles in the army's supply department, known as the commissary of subsistence.
Service in the Spanish–American War
When the Spanish–American War began, John F. Weston was promoted to brigadier general on September 21, 1898. He was in charge of supplies for the U.S. Army forces fighting in Cuba. His work as commissary general for Major General William Rufus Shafter during the fighting in Santiago, Cuba was highly praised. After the war, he returned to his regular army duties in March 1899.
Later Career and Retirement
Weston continued to rise through the ranks. On December 6, 1900, he became a brigadier general and was appointed commissary general for the entire regular U.S. Army. His highest promotion came on October 8, 1905, when he became a major general. He was sent to command the Northwest Division in Missouri. A month later, he was sent to the Philippines, becoming the highest-ranking U.S. Army officer there.
Although he expected to stay in the Philippines, Major General Weston later commanded the Department of California. John F. Weston retired from the U.S. Army on November 13, 1909, on his 64th birthday. He passed away at age 71 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia.
