Joseph Andrew Jackson Lightburn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Andrew Jackson Lightburn
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Brig. Gen. Joseph Andrew Jackson Lightburn, ca. 1864
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| Born | September 21, 1824 Webster, Pennsylvania |
| Died | May 17, 1901 (aged 76) Broad Run, West Virginia |
| Place of burial |
Broad Run Baptist Church Cemetery, Lightburn, West Virginia
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1846-1851 1861-1865 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 4th West Virginia Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War American Civil War |
| Other work | Baptist minister, farmer |
Joseph Andrew Jackson Lightburn (born September 21, 1824 – died May 17, 1901) was an important person from West Virginia. He was a farmer, a soldier, and a Baptist minister. He is best known for serving as a general for the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Contents
Early Life and Friendship
Lightburn was born in Pennsylvania. He was the oldest of five children in his family. His family later moved to what is now Lewis County, West Virginia. There, he grew up working on his family's farm.
Joseph Lightburn became very good friends with Thomas J. Jackson. Jackson's home was only a few miles away. The Lightburn family had many books, and they often shared them with young Jackson. They also took him to church with them. Joseph and Thomas remained friends throughout their lives.
In 1846, Joseph joined the U.S. Army. He fought in the Mexican–American War. He served until 1851, leaving the army as a sergeant. Later, in 1859, he became a licensed minister in the Baptist church.
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Joseph Lightburn joined the Union Army. On August 14, 1861, he was made a colonel. He led the 4th (West) Virginia Infantry Regiment. Two of his younger brothers, Martin and Calvin, also joined this regiment and fought alongside him. Interestingly, another brother, John, chose to join the Confederate Army instead.
Colonel Lightburn's regiment served under General George B. McClellan early in the war. They were part of the West Virginia Campaign. For much of 1862, Lightburn commanded a group of soldiers called the 4th Brigade. He had to leave the Kanawha Valley when Confederate forces attacked. However, he later helped push those same Confederates out of the valley.
Becoming a General
On March 14, 1863, Lightburn was promoted to brigadier general. This meant he was now a general of volunteers. He was sent to join the Army of the Tennessee. He arrived in January 1863, but soon took a break to go home to West Virginia. While he was there, two Confederate generals, William E. "Grumble" Jones and John D. Imboden, led a raid through the area. Lightburn helped gather troops to defend against this attack.
After returning to the Army of the Tennessee, he took command of the 2nd Brigade. This happened on May 23, just after the siege of Vicksburg had started. He led his brigade through the rest of the siege. After Vicksburg, he was temporarily in charge of the 2nd Division.
Battles and Injury
In November 1863, Lightburn's troops moved from Vicksburg to Chattanooga. He returned to leading his brigade and fought under General William T. Sherman. They fought in the battle of Missionary Ridge. Sherman's attacks on a place called Tunnel Hill were not successful. Lightburn was then sent with 200 men to attack the position, but his attack also faced strong resistance.
General Lightburn continued to lead his brigade during the Atlanta Campaign. He saw action in several important battles, including Resaca, Dallas, and Kennesaw Mountain. During the Battle of Atlanta, Lightburn was promoted to command the 2nd Division. This happened because the army commander, General James B. McPherson, was killed.
Later, General Oliver O. Howard became the permanent commander of the Army of the Tennessee. Lightburn then returned to leading his 2nd Brigade. He fought in the battle of Ezra Church. During the long siege of Atlanta that followed, he was involved in small fights. He was shot in the head, but the bullet only grazed his skull. He fell from his horse into the arms of his brother, Calvin Luther. This injury ended his time with the Army of the Tennessee. He was sent home to recover.
After he recovered, he commanded a brigade and then the 2nd Division in West Virginia. He left the army on June 22, 1865.
Life After the War
After the Civil War, General Lightburn spent the rest of his life as a Baptist minister. He was especially important at the Broad Run Baptist Church. He was also active in the Masonic group. He served as the first leader of Jackson Lodge 35 in Jane Lew for five years, ending in 1872.
Joseph Lightburn died in Broad Run, West Virginia. He is buried in the churchyard there. The town of Lightburn, West Virginia is named after him.
Images for kids
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A relief portrait of Lightburn at Vicksburg National Military Park.
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Joseph Lightburn's gravestone at Broad Run Baptist Church Cemetery.
