John J. Knox facts for kids

John J. Knox was an important person in American history. He was a major in the U.S. Army during the American Civil War. After the war, he played a big role in the Freedmen's Bureau. This organization helped formerly enslaved people.

Who Was Major John J. Knox?

John J. Knox was a dedicated officer. He served in the U.S. Army during a tough time for the United States. This period was known as the American Civil War. The war lasted from 1861 to 1865.

Serving in the Civil War

Major Knox was a soldier for the Union Army. This was the army of the northern states. He fought to keep the country together. During his time in the war, he was seriously injured. He also faced health challenges afterwards.

Helping After the War: The Freedmen's Bureau

After the Civil War ended, Major Knox became a leader in the Freedmen's Bureau. This was a special government agency. Its full name was the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands. It was created in 1865.

The Freedmen's Bureau helped millions of formerly enslaved people. They had just gained their freedom. The Bureau provided food, housing, and medical care. It also helped set up schools. This was very important for building new lives.

The Knox Institute

An important school was named after John J. Knox. It was called the Knox Institute. This school helped educate many young people. It showed how much Major Knox cared about education.

One famous person who attended the Knox Institute was Monroe Morton. He later worked closely with Major Knox. Monroe Morton became a messenger for him. This shows the strong connections formed during that time.

Learning More About John J. Knox

You can find out more about Major Knox's life. The University of Georgia library has many of his papers. These documents share details about his work. They also tell about the Freedmen's Bureau's activities.