John Parker Hawkins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Parker Hawkins
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Brig. Gen. John Parker Hawkins
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| Born | September 29, 1830 Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Died | February 7, 1914 (aged 83) Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Place of burial |
Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, Indiana
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1852–1894 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General Brevet Major General |
| Unit | 2nd US Infantry 6th US Infantry |
| Commands held | 1st Brigade, USCT 1st Division, USCT Commissary General of Subsistence |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Relations | Louisa Hawkins Canby (sister) Edward Canby (brother-in-law) |
John Parker Hawkins (born September 29, 1830 – died February 7, 1914) was an important officer in the United States Army. He was a brigadier general during the American Civil War. He helped manage supplies and led African American soldiers. After the war, he continued his army career. He eventually became the main officer in charge of all army supplies.
Contents
Early Life and Military Training
John Parker Hawkins was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. His sister was Louisa Hawkins Canby. She later married Major General Edward Canby.
John went to the West Point military school. He graduated in 1852. After graduating, he joined the 2nd US Infantry. When the Civil War started in 1861, he was a First Lieutenant. He worked as a Quartermaster for the 6th US Infantry. A quartermaster is an officer who provides supplies and housing for soldiers.
Service During the Civil War
Rising Through the Ranks
Hawkins was promoted to captain on August 3, 1861. He was sent to Missouri to work as a Commissary of Subsistence. This meant he was in charge of providing food and other supplies for the army. In 1862, he moved to western Tennessee. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel on November 1 of that year.
The next month, he became the Commissary General for General Grant's Army of the Tennessee. On April 25, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln made Hawkins a Brigadier General. This promotion became official on April 13, 1863.
Leading African American Troops
General Hawkins was given command of a brigade of the United States Colored Troops (USCT). These were regiments of African American soldiers. He also commanded the District of Northeastern Louisiana. In April 1864, he took charge of the 1st Division of the USCT.
Hawkins and his division showed great bravery. They fought well in the attack at the Battle of Fort Blakely. This battle happened on April 9, 1865. Their actions helped capture Mobile, Alabama. Hawkins left the volunteer army service on February 1, 1866.
At the end of the war, many officers received special promotions. Hawkins was promoted to the honorary rank of brevet major general. This rank was given in both the volunteer and regular armies.
Post-War Career and Retirement
Continuing Army Service
After the Civil War, Hawkins stayed in the army. He returned to his regular rank of captain in the Subsistence Department. This department was responsible for army supplies. On October 10, 1867, he married Jane Bethuxe Craig. Her father was Colonel Henry Knox Craig, a former Chief of Ordnance.
Hawkins served in various places and received more promotions. He became a major on June 23, 1874. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel on September 3, 1889. Then, he became a colonel on March 12, 1892.
Becoming Commissary General
On December 2, 1892, he was appointed Commissary General of Subsistence of the U.S. Army. This important role came with the rank of brigadier general. He held this position until he retired on September 29, 1894, at age 64.
John Parker Hawkins passed away on February 7, 1914, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was buried at the local Crown Hill Cemetery. His wife had died the year before, on April 13, 1913.
Published Work
- Memoranda concerning some branches of the Hawkins family and connections (1913)
