John Morrison Oliver facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Morrison Oliver
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John Morrison Oliver
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| Born | September 6, 1828 Penn Yan, New York |
| Died | March 30, 1872 (aged 43) Washington, D.C. |
| Place of burial |
Lakeview Cemetery, Penn Yan
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| 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 | 15th Michigan Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | Pharmacist, lawyer, post office superintendent |
John Morrison Oliver (September 6, 1828 – March 30, 1872) was an important general for the Union Army during the American Civil War. He fought in many big battles, especially with the Army of the Tennessee. Sometimes, he even led a group of soldiers called a brigade.
Contents
Life and Military Service
John Morrison Oliver was born on September 6, 1828, in Penn Yan, New York. He went to college at St. John's College in New York. After college, he moved to Michigan and worked as a pharmacist.
Joining the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, John Oliver joined the army. He started as a private soldier in the 4th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He quickly showed his skills and was promoted to captain. On March 13, 1862, he became a colonel and took command of the 15th Michigan Regiment.
Key Battles and Commands
Colonel Oliver led his regiment in the famous Battle of Shiloh. He also commanded a brigade (a larger group of soldiers) during the Siege of Corinth and the Second Battle of Corinth.
Later, he returned to lead the 15th Michigan during the Siege of Vicksburg. This was a very important siege where Union forces captured the city of Vicksburg.
Oliver was part of General William Tecumseh Sherman's big plan to advance against Atlanta. During this Atlanta Campaign, he commanded the 3rd Brigade, 4th Division. He even briefly led the 1st Brigade at the Battle of Jonesborough.
March to the Sea and Promotion
During Sherman's March to the Sea, Oliver commanded another brigade. His soldiers were part of the attack on Fort McAllister in December 1864. This was a key victory for the Union.
On January 12, 1865, John Oliver was promoted to brigadier general. He fought in the Battle of Bentonville, though his brigade did not see heavy fighting there. He received another special promotion to brevet major general on March 13, 1865. By the end of the war, he was commanding the 2nd Division. He left the volunteer army on August 24, 1865.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, John Morrison Oliver moved to Arkansas. There, he became a lawyer and worked in the legal field. He also served as the post office superintendent in Little Rock.
He passed away on March 30, 1872, in Washington, D.C..
