John J. Toffey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John James Toffey
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John James Toffey, Medal of Honor recipient
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| Born | June 1, 1844 Pawling, New York, US |
| Died | March 13, 1911 (aged 66) Pawling, New York, US |
| Place of burial |
Pawling Cemetery
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| Allegiance | United States Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1862–1866 |
| Rank |  First Lieutenant |
| Unit | Company F, 33rd New Jersey Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War *Battle of Missionary Ridge |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
| Other work | County Sheriff, New Jersey State Treasurer |
John James Toffey (born June 1, 1844 – died March 13, 1911) was a brave American soldier who fought in the American Civil War. He was an officer in the Union Army and received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for military bravery in the United States. After the war, he continued to serve his community in New Jersey in important public roles.
Contents
A Young Soldier in the Civil War
John James Toffey joined the Union Army when he was just 18 years old. He first served as a private in the 21st New Jersey Volunteer Infantry. This was a group of soldiers who served for nine months.
Becoming an Officer
After his first service, John Toffey became a First Lieutenant in the 33rd New Jersey Volunteer Infantry. This happened in August 1863. He was ready to lead soldiers in battle.
Bravery at Missionary Ridge
In November 1863, Lieutenant Toffey fought in a big battle called the Battle of Missionary Ridge. This important battle happened near Chattanooga, Tennessee. It was during this fight that he showed incredible bravery. His actions there later earned him the Medal of Honor.
Witness to History
John Toffey was wounded during the war, and he had to leave his main unit. However, he continued to serve in a special group called the Veteran Reserve Corps. While serving, he was actually present at Ford's Theater when President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. He even helped search for the people involved in the assassination. He also testified in their trial and saw them punished for their actions.
He received his Medal of Honor many years later, on September 10, 1897.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, John Toffey continued to serve the public. He had a long career in government in Hudson County, New Jersey.
Public Service Roles
He served two terms as the sheriff of Hudson County. The sheriff is like the chief law enforcement officer for a county. He also served as the state treasurer of New Jersey from 1875 to 1891. The state treasurer manages the state's money. John Toffey was also an alderman in Jersey City, New Jersey. An alderman is a member of a city council. He was also elected to the New Jersey Legislature, which makes laws for the state.
Later Life and Burial
John Toffey passed away in Pawling, New York, which was also his hometown. He was buried in the Pawling Cemetery. His grave is near the grave of Rear Admiral John Lorimer Worden, who was a Civil War naval hero. Worden was John Toffey's uncle by marriage. In 2004, 93 years after his death, his grave was marked with a special headstone for Medal of Honor recipients.
See also
