Randal William McGavock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Randal William McGavock
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Col. Randal William McGavock by George Dury, ca. 1863-64
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| Born | August 10, 1826 |
| Died | May 12, 1863 (aged 36) |
| Resting place | Mount Olivet Cemetery |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | University of Nashville Harvard Law School |
| Occupation | Politician Planter |
| Spouse(s) | Seraphina Deery |
| Relatives | Randal McGavock (paternal great uncle) Felix Grundy (maternal grandfather) |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America (1861–1865) |
| Service/ |
Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1863 |
| Rank | Colonel (CSA) |
Randal William McGavock (born 1826, died 1863) was an American lawyer and politician. He was also a planter, meaning he owned and managed large farms. During the American Civil War, he became a colonel in the Confederate States Army. From 1858 to 1859, he served as the Mayor of Nashville, Tennessee.
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Early Life and Education
Randal William McGavock was born on August 10, 1826, in Nashville, Tennessee. His family had Irish roots. His great-uncle, Randal McGavock (1766–1843), was also a Mayor of Nashville. His father, Jacob McGavock, fought alongside Andrew Jackson in the Creek War. His mother was Louisa Caroline (Grundy) McGavock. His grandfather, Felix Grundy (1775–1840), was a U.S. Congressman and the 13th United States Attorney General.
McGavock attended a private school in Nashville. From 1843 to 1846, he studied at the University of Nashville. In 1847, he went to Harvard Law School. There, he was active in a debating club and a mock court. He earned his law degree from Harvard in 1849. After finishing school, he traveled for 20 months. He visited places in Europe, Asia, and Africa. He wrote articles about his travels for a Nashville newspaper. Later, he published these articles in a book in 1854.
Political and Business Career
After his travels, McGavock became a lawyer in Nashville. He also managed his family's plantations in Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky. A famous artist, Washington Bogart Cooper, painted his portrait around 1850.
McGavock was very involved in the Tennessee Democratic Party. He helped with political campaigns, like for James Buchanan in 1856. He became the Mayor of Nashville in 1858 and served until 1859. He won the election with strong support from Irish voters. In 1860, he supported John C. Breckinridge for president. He strongly believed in states' rights, which meant states should have more power than the federal government.
Before the American Civil War (1861–1865), McGavock started a militia group in Tennessee. This group was made up of Irish citizens. At the same time, his wife, Seraphina, started a group called the Ladies Soldiers' Friend Society. This group helped support soldiers. Sarah Childress Polk, the widow of President James K. Polk, was also a member.
Military Service in the Civil War
During the Civil War, Randal McGavock helped organize and equip the 10th Tennessee Infantry. This group was known as the "Sons of Erin." He served as their lieutenant colonel in the Confederate States Army. In 1862, he took command of the 10th Tennessee at Fort Donelson. This happened when the previous colonel, Adolphus Heiman, was given command of a larger group.
McGavock was captured during the siege of Fort Donelson. He was held as a prisoner at Fort Warren in Massachusetts for five months. He was released in September 1862. When his regiment was reorganized, he was re-elected as lieutenant colonel. In November, Colonel Heiman passed away from illness. McGavock then became the colonel of the 10th Tennessee. He was killed in action on May 12, 1863. This happened while he was leading a counter-attack at the Battle of Raymond in Mississippi.
Family and Legacy
Randal McGavock married Seraphina Deery in 1855.
After his death in combat, McGavock was first buried in Raymond, Mississippi. Later, his sister Ann and her husband arranged for his body to be moved. On St. Patrick's Day in 1866, he was finally buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Nashville. A special ceremony was held by the Masons.
Today, a portrait of Randal McGavock, painted by Washington Bogart Cooper, can be seen at the Nashville Public Library.
