John P. Sanderson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Phillip Sanderson
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|---|---|
| Born | February 13, 1818 East Hanover, Pennsylvania |
| Died | October 14, 1864 (aged 46) St. Louis, Missouri |
| Place of burial |
Ferncliff Cemetery, Springfield, Ohio
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| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
 United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1861-1864 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Unit | 15th U.S. Infantry |
| Commands held | 13th U.S. Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Relations | George K. Sanderson |
John Phillip Sanderson (born February 13, 1818 – died October 14, 1864) was an important person in American history. He was a soldier, a smart politician, a lawyer, and a writer. He also edited newspapers. Sanderson was a member of the Pennsylvania government. He is best known for revealing a secret group called the Knights of the Golden Circle. His actions helped to stop this group.
Contents
Becoming a Lawyer
John Phillip Sanderson became a lawyer in 1839. He worked as a lawyer in Philadelphia from about 1848 until 1861.
Writer and Newspaper Editor
Sanderson wrote two books. One was called Views and Opinions of American Statesmen on Foreign Immigration (1843). The other was Republican Landmarks (1850).
He also edited and published newspapers. Starting in 1843, he ran the weekly newspaper Demokratischer Whig. From 1844 to 1848, he edited Der Libanon Demokrat. Later, he became the editor of the Philadelphia Daily News from 1848 to 1856.
Political Career
Sanderson was elected to the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives in 1845. In 1847, he was elected to the Pennsylvania State Senate. He led the Know-Nothing Party in Pennsylvania. This party later changed its name to the American Party in 1855.
1856 Presidential Election
In the 1856 United States presidential election, Sanderson's actions affected the outcome. He was the leader of the Know-Nothing Party in Pennsylvania. His decision to keep the party's own electors in the race split the votes. This helped James Buchanan win the election. Buchanan defeated John C. Frémont, who was the first Republican candidate.
1860 Presidential Election
Sanderson was a delegate from Pennsylvania at the 1860 Republican National Convention in Chicago. He was a trusted advisor to Simon Cameron. Sanderson played a key role in getting Abraham Lincoln nominated for president. He helped arrange for Pennsylvania's votes to go to Lincoln. This was a big reason why Lincoln won the nomination for the 1860 United States presidential election.
Military Service in the Civil War
When Simon Cameron became Secretary of War for President Abraham Lincoln, Sanderson joined the War Department. He became the chief clerk on March 4, 1861.
Sanderson soon left that job to become a soldier. On May 14, 1861, he became a lieutenant colonel in the 15th U.S. Infantry. This was the same regiment as his son, George K. Sanderson. He took command of the regiment's headquarters at Newport Barracks.
On July 4, 1863, Sanderson was made a colonel of the 13th U.S. Infantry. After this, he became an aide to Major General William Rosecrans. He served with Rosecrans on the staff of the Army of the Cumberland. He was with them during the important Battle of Chickamauga. When Rosecrans was later removed from his command, Sanderson went with him.
Provost Marshal General
In January 1864, Rosecrans took command of the Department of the Missouri. He brought Sanderson with him. Sanderson became the Provost Marshal General for that department. This meant he was in charge of military police and security.
An assistant to Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, Charles A. Dana, accused Colonel Sanderson of being a coward at the Battle of Chickamauga. This accusation caused a delay in Congress approving his new military rank. However, General Rosecrans strongly defended Sanderson. Rosecrans wrote a letter saying the charges were false. He asked for the matter to be settled quickly because Sanderson's job was very important.
Colonel Sanderson continued to serve as Provost Marshal General. He died after being sick for a month in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 14, 1864.
Exposing the Knights of the Golden Circle
One of Sanderson's most important actions during the Civil War was exposing a secret group. This group was called the "Knights of the Golden Circle" or the "Order of American Knights." It was a secret political organization in the northern and western states. Sanderson fully revealed their plans and activities. His work helped to break up this secret order.
