John Mansfield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Mansfield
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|
|---|---|
| 15th Lieutenant Governor of California | |
| In office 1880–1883 |
|
| Governor | George Clement Perkins |
| Preceded by | James A. Johnson |
| Succeeded by | John Daggett |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
John Mansfield
August 1822 Monroe County, New York |
| Died | May 6, 1896 (aged 73) Los Angeles, California |
| Political party | Republican |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service |  United States Army(Union Army) |
| Years of service | 1861-1865 |
| Rank |  Brevet Brigadier General |
| Unit | 2nd Reg. Wis. Vol. Infantry Veteran Reserve Corps |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
John Mansfield (born August 1822 – died May 6, 1896) was an important figure in American history. He served as the 15th Lieutenant Governor of California from 1880 to 1883. Before that, he was a brave officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Contents
Early Life and Move to Wisconsin
John Mansfield was born in Monroe County, New York. Before the Civil War began, he moved to Wisconsin. In the 1850s, Mansfield worked as a lawyer in a town called Portage, Wisconsin.
Military Service in the Civil War
When the Civil War started in April 1861, President Abraham Lincoln asked for soldiers. John Mansfield joined the army and became a captain. He led Company G of the 2nd Wisconsin Infantry Regiment, also known as the "Portage Guards."
His regiment gathered at Camp Randall in Madison on June 11, 1861. They signed up for three years of service. Soon after, on June 20, they left Wisconsin for Washington, D.C.. There, they joined the Army of the Potomac.
Fighting in Key Battles
Mansfield's regiment first saw action in July 1861 at the First Battle of Bull Run. This was one of the first major battles of the war.
The 2nd Wisconsin regiment became part of the famous Iron Brigade. This group of soldiers was known for being very tough in battle. Mansfield and his unit fought in many important battles, including:
The Battle of Gettysburg
At the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863, Mansfield and the 2nd Wisconsin were part of the First Division. On the first day of fighting, July 1, 1863, they faced a Confederate group at McPherson Woods.
During this fight, a soldier from the 2nd Wisconsin, Private Patrick Maloney, captured a Confederate general named James J. Archer. General Archer gave his sword to Captain Mansfield. This was a big moment because it was the first time a Confederate general had been captured since Robert E. Lee took command of the main Confederate army.
Later that day, Mansfield took command of the 2nd Wisconsin regiment. This happened after the senior officer, Lucius Fairchild, was shot. However, Mansfield himself was wounded later that same day. He had to give up command of the regiment.
After the battle, Mansfield was promoted to lieutenant colonel on July 5, 1863. He continued to serve in other campaigns. In June 1864, during the Overland Campaign, he was wounded again and captured. He was held at Libby Prison in Richmond. Later, he was returned to the Union side as part of a prisoner exchange.
Towards the end of the war, Mansfield became a colonel in the Veteran Reserve Corps. This group was made up of soldiers who couldn't fight in combat but could help with other duties. Mansfield was later given the honorary rank of brigadier general of volunteers. This rank was dated March 13, 1865.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, John Mansfield moved to California. He became involved in politics there.
Serving as Lieutenant Governor
Mansfield was a delegate to California's second constitutional convention in 1878 and 1879. He also represented California at the 1880 Republican National Convention.
In 1879, he was elected as California's lieutenant governor. He served one term from 1880 to 1883 under Republican Governor George C. Perkins.
Later Years and Legacy
John Mansfield passed away at his home in Los Angeles in 1896. His ashes were buried in Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery.
It is possible that the town of Mansfield, Illinois was named after him. However, some sources suggest it might have been named after other people named Mansfield, or even the city of Mansfield, Ohio.
Images for kids
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Rank insignia for a Union Army brigadier general.
