Maj. Gen. Jefferson C. Davis
Born: March 2, 1828
Clark County, Indiana
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Died: November 30, 1879
Chicago, Illinois
1847: Enlisted in the 3rd Indiana Volunteers
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1847-48: Mexican American War
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June 1848: 2nd Lieutenant
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Feb. 1852: 1st Lieutenant
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Colonel
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March 1862: Brig. General
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March 20, 1865: Brevet General in Regular Army
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July: Colonel 23rd Infantry Regiment
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Jefferson Columbus Davis
1847: Enlisted in the 3rd Indiana Volunteeers
Mexican-American War: Promoted to Sargeant
June 1848: Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in 1st US Artillery
Oct. 1848: Joined the 1st Artillery at Fort McHenry
Moved to Fort Washington, MD, outside of Washington
Moved to coast of Mississippi
Feb. 1852: Promoted to 1st Lieutenant
1857: Moved to Fort McHenry
1858: Moved to Florida
1858 - Summer: Received transfer to Fort Moultrie
located near Fort Sumter
April 1861: Officer of Garrison at Fort Sumter
May 1861: Promoted to Captain and tasked with raising a regiment in Indiana
Requested assignment as a regimental commander. After the death of Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Lyon, his request was granted
Given command of 22nd Indiana Infantry with a promotion to Colonel
Aug 1861: Received orders to succeed Brig. Gen. U.S. Grant of forces in Northwest Missouri Headquarters located in Jefferson, MO
Requested more material which was denied. This resulted in the defeat at the Battle of Lexington
Dec 1861: Took command of the 3rd Division Army of the Southwest
Mar 1862: Battle of Pea Ridge - His distinguished service earned him a Brevet Brig. Gen.
Aug 12, 1862: Granted 20 days leave of convalescence
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​​While on convalescence, reported his services. Was ordered to report to Gen. Nelson
Sept 8, 1862: Reported to Salt House which served as the headquarters to both Gen. Buell and Gen. Wright. Davis approached Nelson and asked for an apology. After the brief conversation, Nelson backhanded Davis and left the room.
Davis then asked a friend for a gun. Davis walked toward Nelson and shot him tearing a hole in his heart. Nelson was able to make to the stairs and climbed to the next floor before collapsing.
Oct 13, 1862: Released from custody and charges dropped
Aug 8 1864: For service at the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, brevet promotion to Maj. Gen. and appointed commanding officer of the XIV during the Atlanta Campaign
During the March to the Sea, he was ruthless toward the free slaves which caused controversy in his career. He had the pontoon bridge pulled up causing the slaves to be killed by the Confederate Army or drowned trying to escape.
Mar 20, 1865: Brevet promotion to Brig. Gen. in Regular Army.
July 1866. Colonel of the 23rd Infantry Regiment
Oct 29, 1867: Established at Fort Sitka
Mar 18, 1868 to Jun 1, 1870: First Commander of Department of Alaska
1872 - 1873: Modac War assumed command of forces in California and Oregon
1877: During St. Louis general strike, arrived with 300 men and a Gatling gun to crush workers who were controlling the city
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Boatner, Mark M. III. The Civil War Dictionary. New York: David McKay, 1967. p 226
Warner, Ezra J. "Generals in Blue Lives of the Union Commanders."Louisiana State University, 1964. p 115-116
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