John T. Hughes (Confederate officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John T. Hughes
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| Born | July 25, 1817 Versailles, Kentucky |
| Died | August 11, 1862 (aged 45) Independence, Missouri |
| Allegiance |  United States of America Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1846–1847 1861–1862 |
| Rank | Brigadier general |
| Battles/wars | Mexican War American Civil War |
John T. Hughes (July 25, 1817 – August 11, 1862) was a military leader during the American Civil War. He served as a colonel in the Missouri State Guard and later in the Confederate Army. Some people believe he might have also been a brigadier general when he died, but official documents for this appointment are missing.
John T. Hughes' Early Life and the Mexican-American War
John Taylor Hughes was born on July 25, 1817, near Versailles, Kentucky. His parents were Samuel and Nancy (Price) Hughes. When he was very young, his family moved to Fayette, Missouri.
He graduated from Bonne Femme College in 1844. After college, he worked as a school teacher. This changed when the Mexican-American War began in 1846.
Hughes joined the army as a private. He was part of the 1st Regiment Missouri Mounted Volunteers. This group was led by Doniphan. After his service ended in 1847, Hughes wrote a book about his experiences during the war.
His book became famous across the country. In 1848, he moved to Plattsburg, Missouri. There, he became the editor of a local newspaper in Clinton County, Missouri. He also served as the school superintendent and a colonel in the local militia. In 1854, he became a state representative. Hughes also owned a farm and enslaved people.
Hughes in the Civil War and His Death
John T. Hughes was a cousin of Sterling Price, another important military figure. Like Price, Hughes first believed in staying with the Union, but only if certain conditions were met. This changed after an event called the Camp Jackson Affair.
After this event, Hughes joined the Missouri State Guard. He was chosen to be a colonel for the 1st Regiment, 4th Division. He fought in several important battles, including the Battle of Carthage and the Battle of Wilson's Creek. He was slightly hurt during the Siege of Lexington.
In March 1862, at the Battle of Pea Ridge, Hughes took command of a brigade. He stepped in because Brigadier General William Yarnell Slack was wounded. In the summer of 1862, Hughes went back to Missouri. His goal was to find new soldiers for the Confederacy. Around this time, he might have been made a brigadier general, either for the Confederacy or the Missouri State Guard. Even though no official record of this appointment has been found, people knew him as "general."
On August 11, 1862, Hughes gathered his new recruits and other small groups of fighters. They planned to attack the army base in Independence, Missouri. Hughes was in charge of the entire attack. During this battle, known as the First Battle of Independence, he was killed instantly by a shot to the head while leading his troops forward. Even though he died, his forces successfully captured the city.
John T. Hughes is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Independence. He left behind his wife, Mary, and five young sons.
See also
In Spanish: John T. Hughes para niños
