John Milton Brannan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Milton Brannan
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| Born | July 1, 1819 Washington, D.C. |
| Died | December 16, 1892 (aged 73) New York City, New York |
| Place of burial |
West Point Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
 United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1841–1882 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General Brevet Major General |
| Unit | 1st U.S. Artillery 4th U.S. Artillery |
| Commands held | Department of Key West Department of the South 3rd Division, XIV Corps Chief of Artillery, Army of the Cumberland |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War
Fenian Raids Great Railroad Strike of 1877 |
| Relations | Ichabod Bennet Crane (father in law) |
John Milton Brannan (born July 1, 1819 – died December 16, 1892) was an important officer in the United States Army. He served in the Mexican–American War and later became a brigadier general for the Union during the American Civil War. He was in charge of military areas like Key West, Florida.
One of his most notable roles was leading a division in the Union XIV Corps during the Battle of Chickamauga. His personal life also saw a surprising event when his first wife, Eliza Crane Brannan, disappeared in 1858. It was later found that she had moved to Europe and started a new life.
Contents
John Brannan's Early Life and Military Start
John Brannan was born in Washington, D.C.. When he was younger, he worked as a messenger for the United States House of Representatives. In 1837, he was chosen to attend the United States Military Academy (West Point). Many members of Congress supported his appointment.
He graduated from West Point in 1841, ranking 23rd in his class. After graduating, he joined the 1st U.S. Artillery Regiment. He served in Plattsburgh, New York, helping with a border issue near Canada.
Fighting in the Mexican-American War
During the Mexican–American War, Brannan took part in several important battles. These included the Battle of Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo, Contreras, and Churubusco. He was recognized for his bravery at Contreras and Churubusco. He was also seriously hurt during the fight for Mexico City.
After the war with Mexico, Brannan served in Florida. He was there during the Third Seminole War. He continued to serve at different forts in the American Southeast until the Civil War began.
Brannan in the American Civil War
When the American Civil War started, John Brannan was made a brigadier general of volunteers. He was put in charge of the military area of Key West, Florida.
Leading Troops in Florida
In October 1862, Brannan led infantry troops in the Battle of Saint John's Bluff. This battle was fought on the St. Johns River to gain control of Jacksonville, Florida. In the same month, he took command of the Department of the South. He was honored for his service during the battle for Jacksonville. He held this command until January 1863.
Key Battles in the West
In 1863, Brannan led an infantry division under Major General William Rosecrans. He fought in the Tullahoma Campaign at Hoover's Gap. Later, he served under Maj. Gen. George Henry Thomas in the XIV Corps.
At the Battle of Chickamauga, Brannan's division faced very heavy fighting. He lost many of his soldiers, but he was praised for his excellent service.
When General Rosecrans was replaced, Brannan was moved from leading infantry to leading artillery. He was promoted to the rank of major in the Regular Army in August 1863.
Artillery Chief and Atlanta Campaign
From October 1863 to June 1865, Brannan was the chief of artillery for the Department of the Cumberland. He oversaw the defenses at Chattanooga. He also took part in the Atlanta Campaign.
During the Atlanta Campaign, he fought in battles like Battle of Resaca, Battle of Dallas, and Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. He was also present when Atlanta was surrounded and surrendered. He was promoted to major general for his brave service during the Atlanta Campaign and throughout the war.
After the war, from July to December 1865, Brannan commanded military districts in Georgia, including Savannah.
After the Civil War
After the Civil War ended, Brannan left the volunteer forces. He returned to his rank of major in the Regular Army with the 1st U.S. Artillery Regiment. He was assigned to artillery duties at various forts in Connecticut and New York.
While in New York, he helped the U.S. Army respond to the Fenian raids into Canada. In 1877, he was in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during the railroad riots.
Brannan later transferred to the 4th U.S. Artillery Regiment in 1877. He retired from the U.S. Army as a colonel on April 19, 1882. After retiring, he moved to New York City.
John Brannan was a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. He passed away in New York and was first buried at Woodlawn Cemetery. Later, his remains were moved to the West Point Cemetery.
In 1904, a coast artillery mortar battery at Fort Worden was named after Brannan to honor him.
Personal Life
The Disappearance of Eliza Brannan
John Brannan married Eliza Crane on September 16, 1850. Eliza was the daughter of Colonel Ichabod Bennet Crane, who was also a colonel in the 1st U.S. Artillery.
While Brannan was stationed in Key West, Florida, starting in 1856, his wife Eliza lived in Staten Island with their young daughter and her mother.
On July 20, 1858, Eliza Brannan disappeared while she was out shopping in New York City. After days of searching, officials believed she might have died. However, in 1860, Eliza Brannan contacted her brother. She told him that she was alive and had moved to Italy, then to Paris, France. She had also remarried.
Brannan soon learned that the man Eliza had married was Powell Tremlett Wyman, another artillery officer. Wyman later resigned from the army to join Eliza in Europe. They eventually returned to the United States and lived as a married couple.
The Civil War then began, and John Brannan was busy with his military duties. Powell Wyman also joined the Union Army and was killed in battle in 1862.
John Brannan never got back together with Eliza. He officially divorced her in 1863 and remarried in 1870.
Images for kids
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Portrait of Brigadier General John M. Brannan
