Justus McKinstry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Justus McKinstry
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| Born | July 6, 1814 Hudson, New York |
| Died | December 11, 1897 (aged 83) St, Louis, Missouri |
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1838–1863 |
| Rank | Major Brigadier general appointment expired without confirmation |
| Battles/wars | Second Seminole War Third Seminole War Mexican–American War American Civil War |
Justus McKinstry (July 6, 1814 – December 11, 1897) was an officer in the United States Army. He served bravely in the Second Seminole War, the Mexican–American War, and the Third Seminole War. At the start of the American Civil War, he was appointed a brigadier general in the Union Army. However, this appointment was never officially confirmed. His highest permanent rank was major.
McKinstry was later suspended and arrested in November 1861. He was investigated for problems in how he managed supplies for the army. In October 1862, a military court found him responsible for serious issues in the supply department. The court suggested he be removed from the army. On January 28, 1863, after being held for over a year, McKinstry was dismissed from the army for not doing his job properly. Some historians still consider him a brigadier general. After leaving the army, McKinstry worked as a stock broker and land agent. He spent most of his later life in St. Louis, Missouri.
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Early Life and Education
Justus McKinstry was born on July 6, 1814, in Hudson, New York. When he was one year old, his family moved to Detroit, Michigan. His father became a successful and important person in the community.
With his father's help, Justus McKinstry entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York in July 1832. He found some subjects challenging, especially math. He left the Academy briefly but was allowed to return. He re-entered in July 1833 and eventually graduated in July 1838. He was 40th in a class of 45 students.
On the day he graduated, McKinstry married his second cousin, Susan McKinstry. They had three sons: Charles, James, and Carlisle.
After graduating, McKinstry became a second lieutenant in the 2nd Infantry Regiment. He was stationed in New York and Michigan before being sent to Florida in November 1838. He served in the Second Seminole War until 1841. During this time, he often commanded his company in addition to his regular duties. He was promoted to first lieutenant in April 1841. He then served in New York and on recruiting duty before joining the Mexican–American War.
Service in the Mexican–American War
In March 1847, McKinstry became a captain and assistant quartermaster general. A quartermaster is an officer responsible for providing supplies, food, and equipment to the army.
Even though he was mainly in charge of supplies, McKinstry showed great courage during the war. He took command of a group of volunteer soldiers at the Battles of Contreras and Churubusco. For his brave actions, he was given a special temporary promotion (called a brevet) to major. This promotion started from August 20, 1847. McKinstry was also one of the first members of the Aztec Club of 1847, a group for officers who served in the Mexican–American War.
Assignments Before the Civil War
After the Mexican–American War, McKinstry continued his career as a captain. From 1848 to 1849, he worked as a quartermaster with the team marking the border between the United States and Mexico. He then served in California from 1850 to 1855. While in California, he was involved in some land deals.
Later, McKinstry was assigned to forts in Florida from 1856 to 1858. He then took a leave of absence due to a skin condition. In January 1860, he was stationed in St. Louis, Missouri, as the chief quartermaster for the Department of the West.
Role in the American Civil War
In July 1861, President Abraham Lincoln appointed Major General John C. Frémont to lead the Department of the West, with its headquarters in St. Louis. McKinstry was already the chief quartermaster there and continued in that role.
In August 1861, General Fremont gave McKinstry broad authority to buy supplies for the army at any price. Fremont also made McKinstry the provost marshal in St. Louis. This meant McKinstry had wide powers to control the city. His strict rules, like limiting movement and setting a curfew, made him unpopular with many people in St. Louis.
Historian Bruce Catton noted that McKinstry played an important role by introducing Ulysses S. Grant to General Fremont. Fremont was considering another general for a key position, but McKinstry spoke highly of Grant's bravery in Mexico. McKinstry convinced Fremont that Grant was reliable, leading Fremont to appoint Grant to the important post at Cairo, Illinois.
McKinstry's actions as quartermaster came under scrutiny. He was removed from his quartermaster role but kept as provost marshal. He was then assigned to command a division of soldiers.
McKinstry was appointed a brigadier general of volunteers in September 1861. However, this appointment was never confirmed by the United States Senate, so his official rank remained major. He commanded a division of about 30,000 men as Fremont's army moved towards Springfield, Missouri, to fight Confederate forces.
Investigation and Dismissal
McKinstry came under investigation for how he managed supplies. In November 1861, he was arrested and suspended from duty. He was held at the St. Louis Arsenal and later confined to the city limits of St. Louis. During this time, he wrote a document to defend himself.
In October 1862, a military court found McKinstry responsible for serious problems in the quartermaster's office in St. Louis. The court found that he had allowed contractors to charge the army inflated prices for goods and that he had benefited from these deals. He was also found to have made false records.
On January 28, 1863, after more than a year under arrest, McKinstry was dismissed from the army. This was for "neglect and violation of duty." He was one of only a few Union Army generals to be dismissed during the Civil War.
Later Life and Death
After being dismissed from the Union Army, Justus McKinstry worked as a stock broker in New York City from 1864 to 1867. He then became a land agent in Rolla, Missouri, from 1867 to 1870. After this, he lived in St. Louis and struggled financially.
His wife, Susan McKinstry, and their three sons moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan, sometime between 1863 and 1865. Justus and Susan were never reunited. Susan McKinstry died in 1892. Justus McKinstry married Adelaide Dickinson in 1895.
Justus McKinstry passed away on December 11, 1897, in St. Louis, Missouri. He is buried in Highland Cemetery in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
See also
- List of American Civil War generals (Union)
- Quartermaster Corps (United States Army)
- Quartermaster General of the United States Army
