John McDonald (Union Army general) facts for kids
- Further information: Whiskey Ring, Ulysses S. Grant, and Orville S. Babcock
John McDonald was born in Rochester, New York, on February 22, 1832. When he was nine years old, he became an orphan. To support himself, John worked many different jobs. He worked on canals, lakes, and rivers.
He arrived in St. Louis, Missouri, when he was 15. John worked hard and moved up in jobs related to river trade. By the 1850s, he was a passenger agent for a steamship company in St. Louis. Later, he started his own business. He ran a freight steamer that also carried passengers on the Missouri River.
A Leader in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, John McDonald strongly supported the Union. He was appointed a Major. McDonald helped gather and equip the Eighth Regiment of soldiers. This regiment fought in important battles. These included the battles at Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, and Shiloh.
President Abraham Lincoln recognized McDonald's leadership. He appointed him a Brigadier General. John McDonald kept the title of "General" for the rest of his life.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, McDonald married Addie Hayes. She was from Memphis, Tennessee. In October 1869, President Ulysses S. Grant gave McDonald an important job. He was made the Internal Revenue Collector for the Missouri District. This office was located in St. Louis.
During his time as collector, McDonald was involved in a situation known as the Whiskey Ring. This was a group that tried to avoid paying taxes on whiskey. This meant the government lost money it should have received.
In 1875, McDonald faced a legal review about his role. He was found responsible for some actions related to the Whiskey Ring. He was given a fine and a period of time to serve.
President Grant's private secretary, Orville S. Babcock, was also looked at for his involvement. However, Babcock was found not responsible. McDonald later wrote a book about his experiences. It was called Secrets of the Great Whiskey Ring and Eighteen Months in the Penitentiary.
On January 26, 1877, President Grant gave McDonald a special release. John McDonald passed away in Chicago in 1912.
