John Wynn Davidson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Wynn Davidson
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John W. Davidson
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| Nickname(s) | "Black Jack" |
| Born | August 14, 1825 Fairfax County, Virginia |
| Died | June 26, 1881 (aged 55) Saint Paul, Minnesota |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1845–1881 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General Brevet Major General |
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| Battles/wars | |
John Wynn Davidson (born August 14, 1825 – died June 26, 1881) was an important brigadier general in the United States Army. He served during the American Civil War and also fought in the American Indian Wars. Later in 1866, he was given special honorary ranks as a major general for his brave service in the Civil War.
Contents
Early Life and Military Training
John Wynn Davidson was born in Fairfax County, Virginia. His father, William B. Davidson, was an artillery officer in the U.S. Army. John was the oldest of four sons. Sadly, his father died in Florida in 1840 while serving in the Second Seminole War. His mother passed away ten years later.
John followed in his father's footsteps. He graduated from the West Point in 1845. His father had also graduated from there in 1815.
First Assignments and Challenges
Soon after graduating, John became a 2nd Lieutenant in the 1st U.S. Dragoons. He fought in the Mexican–American War, taking part in battles like San Pasqual and Rio San Gabriel.
After the war, Davidson was promoted to 1st Lieutenant. He was sent to the Western frontier. There, he served as a quartermaster and adjutant. In 1854, he led two companies of the 1st Dragoon Regiment against the Jicarilla Apaches. This fight, known as the Battle of Cieneguilla, was a difficult defeat for his troops. Even so, Davidson was praised for his leadership. In 1855, he became a captain. When the American Civil War began, he was in command of Fort Tejon, California.
In 1851, John married Clara McGunnegle. She was the daughter of a merchant from St. Louis. They had several children together.
Serving in the Civil War
John Wynn Davidson was asked to join the Confederate Army, but he chose to stay with the Union. He was moved to the East and given command of a brigade in the new Army of the Potomac. In February 1862, President Abraham Lincoln made him a brigadier general of U.S. volunteers.
Peninsula Campaign and Beyond
General Davidson led the 3rd Brigade during the Peninsula Campaign. He fought in battles at Yorktown and Williamsburg. During the Seven Days Battles, he earned special promotions for his service at Gaines' Mill and Golding's Farm.
After these battles, Davidson was sent to the Trans-Mississippi Theater. He took command of the District of St. Louis. From late 1862 to early 1863, he also led the Army of Southeast Missouri. Much of his army was later sent to help General Ulysses S. Grant.
Success in Arkansas
From August to November 1863, Davidson had a very important role. He commanded the 1st Division of Frederick Steele's Army of Arkansas. He led Union troops into central Arkansas. He won the Battle of Bayou Fourche, which helped the Union capture Little Rock from the Confederates.
After the Little Rock mission, Davidson commanded cavalry in the Department of the Gulf. He then returned to lead cavalry in the District of Southeast Missouri.
Davidson's Cavalry Raid
Starting in November 1864, General Davidson was ordered to lead a large cavalry raid. About 4,000 soldiers rode from Union-held Baton Rouge. Their goal was to cut the Mobile and Ohio Railroad in Mississippi. This raid was meant to distract Confederate forces. It also supported General Sherman's "March to the Sea."
Journey and Skirmishes
Davidson's forces left Baton Rouge and captured Confederate prisoners in Greensburg. They then went to Tangipahoa. There, they destroyed a Confederate camp and railroad.
On December 3, 1864, Davidson's Raiders crossed the Pearl River. They entered Marion County, Mississippi, and occupied Columbia the next day. While in Columbia, the cavalry searched for supplies. General Davidson then sent a smaller group to trick the Confederates. This group, led by Major Seth Remington, rode towards Monticello, Mississippi.
After a small fight outside Columbia, Davidson's main force headed east towards Augusta. He received information that the Confederates knew his plans. Mobile newspapers had reported his army's strength and movements. Because of this, Davidson changed his strategy.
He divided his command. A small group was sent north to destroy telegraph lines and a bridge. This group included soldiers from the 2nd New York Veteran Cavalry and other units. They were led by Lt. Col. Asa Gurney. Davidson continued towards Farley's Ferry with the main force.
Battle of McLeod's Mill
On December 10, 1864, some of Davidson's soldiers met Confederate cavalry near Leakesville, Mississippi. This was at McLeod's Mill. The fighting was intense. One Union soldier said bullets flew faster than he had ever seen. The Confederates kept falling back.
Lieutenant Albert Westinghouse led a charge with his sword drawn. He shouted for his men to follow him. Westinghouse was shot and died during this charge. Union forces made three charges against the Confederates. However, they realized they were outnumbered. They decided to leave the mission. The Confederates did not chase them. Three Union soldiers from the 2nd New York were killed. Around fourteen or fifteen Confederates were killed, and some were captured. Two days later, Gurney's group rejoined Davidson's main column.
For the rest of the war, Davidson held various administrative jobs in Mississippi. He left volunteer service in January 1866. He received more honorary promotions for his Civil War service.
After the War
After the Civil War ended, Davidson was again sent to the Western frontier. He became a lieutenant colonel of the 10th Cavalry. These soldiers were famously known as the Buffalo Soldiers. It was here that he earned his nickname "Black Jack."
Davidson also became the first professor of military science at Kansas State Agricultural College from 1868 to 1871.
In 1879, he was transferred to the 2nd Cavalry as a colonel. He was stationed at Fort Custer in Montana.
John Wynn Davidson died in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in 1881. He had been seriously hurt after falling from a horse during an inspection tour. Someone fired a shot, which spooked his horse. He was first buried in St. Louis. In 1911, his body was moved to Arlington National Cemetery. His wife was buried next to him in 1914.
