Odon Guitar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Odon Guitar
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| Born | August 31, 1825 Madison County, Kentucky |
| Died | March 13, 1908 (aged 82) Columbia, Missouri |
| Place of burial |
Columbia Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
Missouri State Militia (Union) |
| Years of service | 1862–1864 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands held | District of Central Missouri / District of Rolla |
| Battles/wars | Mexican War American Civil War
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Odon Guitar (born August 31, 1825 – died March 13, 1908) was an important general for the Union side during the American Civil War. He was part of the Missouri State Militia. He became famous for his successful efforts against Confederate groups led by Joseph C. Porter and John A. Poindexter in northern Missouri.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Odon Guitar was born in Richmond, Madison County, Kentucky. His parents were John Guitar and Emily Gordon. His father came from Bordeaux, France. The family moved to Boone County, Missouri, in 1827.
Odon was a very good student. He was in the first group of students at the University of Missouri in 1842. He graduated in 1846 with a special degree. He could not attend his graduation ceremony. This was because he was away fighting in the Mexican War. His degree was the first one given by the university to someone who was not there.
Becoming a Lawyer
After the war, Odon Guitar studied law. He learned from his uncle, John B. Gordon. In 1848, he became a lawyer. He then went to the California gold rush. He returned to Columbia, Missouri, in October 1851. There, he started his law practice.
Guitar also got involved in politics. He was a member of the Whig Party. He was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives two times. He served from 1854 to 1856 and again from 1858 to 1860.
Service in the Civil War
Even though he had owned slaves, Odon Guitar strongly supported the Union. In May 1861, he gave a speech in Columbia. Artist George Caleb Bingham noticed him. Bingham said Guitar was a very true and honorable man.
In February 1862, Missouri Governor Hamilton Rowan Gamble gave Guitar permission. He was allowed to gather a group of soldiers in central Missouri. On May 3, Guitar became a colonel. He led the Ninth Missouri State Militia Cavalry.
Fighting Confederate Groups
Colonel Guitar and his soldiers soon began fighting. They went after Confederate guerrillas and recruiters. Guitar played a key role in defeating Joseph C. Porter and John A. Poindexter.
Guitar's soldiers fought a tough battle against Porter. This was at the Battle of Moore's Mill in Callaway County, Missouri. They won this battle in late July. However, Guitar became sick soon after. He could not be part of the important Battle of Kirksville. This battle caused Porter's group to break apart.
Guitar then chased Poindexter. He defeated Poindexter's group completely. This happened at the Battle of Compton's Ferry. Another fight followed at Yellow Creek. Poindexter was hurt and could only hide for a few weeks. He never fought for the Confederacy again.
Becoming a General
Because of his victories, Colonel Guitar was given a special honor. Major General John Schofield made him a brevet brigadier general. This happened on August 18, 1862.
Later, on January 19, 1863, Abraham Lincoln nominated him. Lincoln wanted him to be a brigadier general of Volunteers. But the Senate did not approve this. Guitar was still called "brigadier general" by many. He officially became a brigadier general of the Missouri State Militia on June 27, 1863.
On July 6, 1863, he took command of the District of Northern Missouri. He was removed from this command on March 25, 1864. He was then given command of the Rolla District. Guitar left the Rolla District command on August 23. On August 31, 1864, he left the military. He went back to practicing law.
Life After the War
After the war, Odon Guitar married Kate Leonard. She was the daughter of Judge Abiel Leonard. They got married on December 26, 1865. They had seven children together.
Guitar was the president of the Boone County Bar Association until 1878. He was known for being very successful in defending people in murder cases. He also cared a lot about education. He became a curator for the University of Missouri. He also served as president of the Columbia Board of Education. After the war, Guitar joined the Republican Party.
Odon Guitar passed away at his home in Columbia on March 13, 1908. He is buried in Columbia Cemetery.
