Peter Burwell Starke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Peter Burwell Starke
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| Mississippi Senator from Bolivar County |
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| In office 1856–1862 |
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| Preceded by | William Johnson |
| Succeeded by | William Yerger |
| Member of the Mississippi House of Representatives from Bolivar County |
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| In office 1850–1854 |
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| Preceded by | James Smith |
| Succeeded by | Charles Clark |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1813 Brunswick County, Virginia |
| Died | July 13, 1888 (aged 75) Brunswick County, Virginia |
| Resting place | Percival Family Cemetery Brunswick County, Virginia 36°46′29″N 77°48′03″W / 36.774861°N 77.800750°W |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Whig (1850–1854) Democratic (1856–1862) |
| Spouses | Adeline Starke Elizabeth Starke |
| Relations | William Starke (brother) |
| Occupation | Farmer, politician |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Confederate States of America |
| Branch/service | Provisional Army of the Confederate States |
| Years of service | 1862–1865 |
| Rank | Brigadier-General |
| Commands | 28th Mississippi Cavalry (1862–1864) Starke's Cavalry Brigade (1864–1865) |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Peter Burwell Starke (born 1813, died 1888) was an American politician. He also served as a Brigadier-General in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War.
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Early Life and Political Career
Peter Starke was born in Brunswick County, Virginia, in 1813. He had a brother named William Edwin Starke, who also became a Brigadier-General. When Peter was young, he and his brothers ran a stagecoach service. This service connected towns like Lawrenceville and Petersburg.
In the 1840s, Peter Starke moved to Bolivar County, Mississippi. He tried to become a member of Congress in 1846 but was not successful. However, he later served in the Mississippi House of Representatives. This is part of the state government. He was a member from 1850 to 1854. After that, he became a member of the Mississippi State Senate from 1856 to 1862.
Role in the American Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Peter Starke joined the Confederate Army. On February 24, 1862, he became a Colonel. He led the 28th Mississippi Cavalry regiment. His regiment helped defend Vicksburg, Mississippi. Vicksburg was a very important city during the war.
In November, his regiment was stationed in Panola. They helped watch for enemy movements. During this time, his soldiers were involved in many small fights. These fights happened as the Union army tried to capture Vicksburg.
Cavalry Operations
Starke and his regiment were part of a cavalry brigade. This brigade was led by Brigadier-General William Hicks Jackson. In March 1863, Starke's regiment helped win the Battle of Thompson's Station. This was an important victory for the Confederates.
Later, Starke was put in charge of the brigade himself. This happened in February 1864. His brigade included several regiments and an artillery unit. He was stationed near Vicksburg when General William Tecumseh Sherman started the Meridian Expedition. Starke's forces fought against Sherman's advance on February 4. On February 24, he attacked Sherman's retreating soldiers. His actions caused significant losses for the enemy.
General Jackson and General Stephen D. Lee praised Colonel Starke. They said he showed great skill and bravery. During the Atlanta Campaign, another general led Starke's brigade. Starke was then promoted to Brigadier-General on November 4, 1864. He took part in cavalry actions during Hood's Tennessee campaign. In February 1865, he was given command of another brigade. This brigade was made up of several Mississippi cavalry regiments. His command was part of the Confederate army that surrendered later that year.
Life After the War
After the war ended, Peter Starke continued to serve his community. From 1866 to 1872, he was a member of the Mississippi levee commissioners. These commissioners managed the levees, which are walls built to prevent floods. He also served one term as the sheriff of Bolivar County.
In 1873, Starke moved back to his home state of Virginia. He settled in his native Brunswick County. Peter Burwell Starke passed away there on July 13, 1888. He was buried on land that belonged to his second wife's family.
