John Hanson McNeill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Hanson McNeill
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Bust portrait of John H. McNeill in uniform
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| Born | June 12, 1815 Near Moorefield, Virginia (now West Virginia) |
| Died | November 10, 1864 (aged 49) Harrisonburg, Virginia |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
 Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861-1864 |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Unit | Company E of the 18th Virginia cavalry |
| Commands held | McNeill's Rangers |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
John Hanson McNeill, also known as "Hanse," was a brave soldier during the American Civil War. He was a captain in the Confederate Army. He is best known for leading a special group of soldiers called McNeill's Rangers. This group was unique because they operated independently.
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Early Life and Family
John McNeill was born in 1815 near Moorefield, Virginia. This area is now part of West Virginia. His parents were Strother and Amy Pugh McNeill.
In 1848, John McNeill moved his family to Boone County, Missouri. He moved with his wife, three sons, and one daughter. There, he worked in the business of raising cattle.
Service in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began in 1861, John McNeill quickly became involved. He formed a military company in the Missouri State Guard. He was chosen to be its commander.
His company fought in several important battles. These included the Battle of Boonville, Carthage, Wilson's Creek, and Lexington.
McNeill was captured by Union forces and held in a prison in St. Louis. However, he managed to escape on June 15, 1862. After his escape, he made his way back to Virginia.
Forming McNeill's Rangers
Once in Richmond, McNeill asked for permission to create a new military unit. This unit would operate in the western parts of West Virginia and Virginia. Their main goal was to disrupt Union activities in those areas.
His request was approved. On September 5, 1862, McNeill became a captain. His new unit was Company E of the 18th Virginia Cavalry. It became much more famous as McNeill's Rangers.
The Rangers carried out many raids. They attacked railroads and wagon trains. McNeill also suggested the idea for a large operation. This plan later became known as the Jones-Imboden Raid. Some of his opponents called him a "Bushwhacker," which was a term for irregular fighters.
Death and Legacy
On October 3, 1864, Captain McNeill led his Rangers in a surprise attack. They attacked a group of the 8th Ohio Cavalry Regiment. This group was guarding a bridge at Meems Bottom, near Mount Jackson, Virginia.
The attack happened before dawn and was successful. McNeill's forces managed to get important supplies. However, during the fight, McNeill was badly wounded.
He was first taken to a nearby home for care. Later, he died at Hill's Hotel in Harrisonburg, Virginia. This happened on November 10, 1864. Today, the Massanutten Regional Library stands where the hotel once was.
Burial and Family Legacy
John McNeill was first buried in Harrisonburg. He received full military and Masonic honors. But his Rangers later returned his body to Hardy County, West Virginia. He was reburied in Olivet Cemetery in Moorefield, West Virginia.
His grave is next to the Monument to Confederate Dead. Many other Confederate soldiers are buried around him. After his death, his son, Jesse Cunningham McNeill, took over command of McNeill's Rangers.
