Napoleon Bonaparte Giddings facts for kids
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Napoleon Bonaparte Giddings (1816–1897) was an important person in American history. He was a delegate to the U.S. Congress from the Nebraska Territory. This means he represented Nebraska in the government. Giddings had many different jobs throughout his life. He was a soldier, a lawyer, and even a newspaper editor. He also joined the California Gold Rush looking for gold! Later, he served as a colonel in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
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Life and Career of Napoleon Giddings
Napoleon Bonaparte Giddings was born on January 2, 1816. His birthplace was near Boonesborough, Kentucky. In 1828, he moved with his family to Fayette, Missouri.
Early Military Service and Texas
Giddings joined the army during the Texas Revolution. This war helped Texas gain its independence. He became a sergeant major in his regiment. After Texas became independent, he worked for the new government. He was appointed chief clerk in the auditor's office of the Republic of Texas. He served as acting auditor until 1838.
Becoming a Lawyer and the Mexican-American War
After his time in Texas, Giddings returned to Fayette, Missouri. He began to study law there. In 1841, he was allowed to practice law in Missouri. He started his law practice in Fayette. On November 15, 1842, he married Armide Boone. She was a great-niece of the famous frontiersman Daniel Boone.
During the Mexican–American War, Giddings served as a captain. He led Company A of the Second Regiment, Missouri Mounted Volunteers. He served until March 1847.
Newspaper Editor and Gold Miner
After the war, Giddings worked as an editor. He edited a newspaper called the Union Flag in Franklin County, Missouri. Later, he traveled to California. He went there to join the gold mining efforts during the California Gold Rush. After his time as a gold miner, he returned to Missouri. He settled in Savannah, Missouri and continued his law practice.
Political Career in Nebraska
In the early 1850s, Giddings moved to Nebraska City, Nebraska. He continued to work as a lawyer there. When the Nebraska Territory was created in 1854, he was elected to Congress. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He served in the Thirty-third United States Congress from January 5 to March 3, 1855. He did not seek re-election in 1854.
Later Military Service and Final Years
After his time in Congress, Giddings went back to Savannah, Missouri. He resumed his law practice. During the American Civil War, he was commissioned as a lieutenant colonel. He served in the Fifty-first Regiment, Missouri Volunteer Infantry. He served from April 11, 1865, until August 31, 1865. He was honorably discharged from the army.
Napoleon Bonaparte Giddings passed away in Savannah, Missouri, on August 3, 1897. He was buried in the City Cemetery there.
