John McArthur facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John McArthur
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John McArthur
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| Born | November 17, 1826 Erskine, Scotland |
| Died | May 15, 1906 (aged 79) Chicago, Illinois |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General Brevet Major General |
| Commands held | 12th Illinois Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
John McArthur (born November 17, 1826 – died May 15, 1906) was an important general for the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was known as a very skilled leader in the western part of the war.
Early Life and Work
John McArthur was born in Erskine, Scotland. He learned to be a blacksmith. When he was 23 years old, he moved to the United States and settled in Chicago. In Chicago, he owned a company called Excelsior Iron Works. He also joined a local army group, or militia, called the Chicago Highland Guards.
Serving in the Civil War
When the Civil War began, John McArthur became a colonel. He led the 12th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Soon after, he was given command of the 1st Brigade. His brigade fought in the Battle of Fort Donelson. During this battle, his troops faced heavy fighting but managed to retreat in an orderly way.
After Fort Donelson, McArthur was promoted to brigadier general on March 21, 1862. He then led the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, of the Army of the Tennessee at the Battle of Shiloh. The soldiers in his brigade wore special Scottish caps. Because of this, they were nicknamed the "Highland Brigade." McArthur was injured while leading his brigade during the first day of Shiloh. His leadership helped break through a Confederate encirclement. After Shiloh, he led his brigade during the Siege of Corinth.
Following the capture of Corinth, McArthur took command of the 6th Division. He was ordered to help Maj. Gen. William Rosecrans's Army of Mississippi at Corinth. Just before the Battle of Corinth, another general arrived who outranked McArthur. This meant McArthur was briefly without a command. However, he stayed close and helped other officers. Soon, a special order was sent out, returning McArthur to command of his brigade.
After the Battle of Corinth, McArthur returned to leading the 6th Division. This division became part of the XVII Corps. He led his troops during the important Siege of Vicksburg. After the Confederates surrendered Vicksburg, McArthur was put in charge of the post there. Later, he commanded the 1st Division of the XVI Corps. His division helped chase Sterling Price during his Missouri Raid.
McArthur's troops were then moved to Tennessee. They played a very important role in breaking the Confederate lines on the second day of the Battle of Nashville. For his brave actions in that battle, he was given a special promotion to major general. He also led his division in the Battle of Fort Blakeley.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, John McArthur worked in several different jobs. He was a Commissioner of Chicago Public Works during the time of the Great Chicago Fire. He also served as the Postmaster General of Chicago. Later, he became the general manager of the Chicago and Vert Island Stone Company. In 1875, he was chosen to be a member of the American Philosophical Society, a group that promotes useful knowledge. John McArthur passed away in Chicago.
