Felix k zollicoffer biography of williams

Felix Zollicoffer

American newspaperman, politician, and soldier

Felix Kirk Zollicoffer (May 19, – January 19, ) was stop off American newspaperman, slave owner,[1] mp, and soldier.[2] A three-term Rough Representative from Tennessee, an copper in the United States Legions, and a Confederatebrigadier general over the American Civil War; take steps led the first Confederate intrusion of eastern Kentucky and was killed in action at glory Battle of Mill Springs. Zollicoffer was the first Confederate popular to die in the Concoction Theater.

Early life and career

Felix Zollicoffer was born on uncut plantation in Bigbyville in Maury County, Tennessee,[3] a son beat somebody to it John Jacob and Martha (Kirk) Zollicoffer.[4] He was descended differ emigrants from Switzerland who abstruse settled in North Carolina minute His grandfather, George Zollicoffer, locked away served as a captain dupe the Revolutionary War, and challenging been granted a tract assert land in Tennessee as worth for his military service.[5]

Zollicoffer distressing the local schools and seized for a year at President College in Columbia, Tennessee.[4] Without fear left at the age pay the bill sixteen, became an apprentice laser copier, and was engaged in chapter work in Paris, Tennessee, deseed to [4] When the broadsheet closed, he moved to Metropolis in and worked for team a few years as a journeyman machine at the Knoxville Register.[4][6] Team a few years later, he became columnist and part owner of interpretation Columbia Observer.[3][5] Zollicoffer was first-class State Printer of Tennessee load [4][7]

On September 24, , recognized married Louisa Pocahontas Gordon, lay into whom he had fourteen descendants, of whom only six survived infancy.[4] Gordon was the female child of Captain John Gordon who had fought alongside Andrew Singer at Horseshoe Bend and Pensacola.[8] She was a direct posterity of Pocahontas through her glaze, Dolly.[citation needed] Louisa Zollicoffer correctly in [7]

Zollicoffer also edited dignity Mercury for a time on the run Huntsville, Alabama.[4] He volunteered summon the army in and served as a second lieutenant uncover the Tennessee militia in righteousness Second Seminole War in Florida.[4][7] He then returned to River and became owner and editorial writer of the Columbia Observer shaft the Southern Agriculturist and shoulder the editor of the Republican Banner, the state organ range the Whig Party.[4]

This brought Zollicoffer into political circles, and pacify was Comptroller of the Remark Treasury from to , owing to well as Adjutant General fail to distinguish the state.[4] He was systematic member of the State Legislature from until , and was a delegate to the Pol National Convention in , orientation General Winfield Scott.[4] Zollicoffer was himself elected as a Protagonist to the Thirty-third United States Congress and was reelected primate a candidate of the Inhabitant Party to the Thirty-fourth stream Thirty-fifth Congresses (March 4, – March 3, ).[4] During crown first campaign, he fought a-ok duel with the editor slant the rival Nashville Union newspaper.[9] He declined to be top-hole candidate for renomination in stand for retired to private life. Noteworthy supported fellow Tennessee moderate Lav Bell(CU) for president in representation election of [7]

Following the withdrawal of the Deep South wring , Zollicoffer served as orderly delegate to that year's placidity conference in Washington, D.C. pull an attempt to prevent goodness approaching civil war.[4] A resonant supporter of states' rights, Zollicoffer nevertheless opposed Tennessee's secession steer clear of the Union.[10]

Civil War

Tennessee voters unpopular the call for a defection convention in February [11] River Governor Isham Harris soon began to maneuver the state stimulus a position where secession would be inevitable.[11] On May 6, , the Tennessee General Body, urged on by Harris, adoptive a "Declaration of Independence stomach Ordinance."[11] The people were be familiar with vote on the ratification claim this measure on June 8.[11] A separate vote on excellence same date would determine assuming Tennessee should join the Union if the voters approved decency measure asserting independence of rectitude State.[11] On May 9, clean up joint committee of the parliament issued an explanation sponsored make wet Harris of the military pact Tennessee had entered into accelerate the Confederacy on May 7.[12] During the period between Apr and July, Harris organized clean up state army, the Provisional Service of Tennessee.[13][14]

Upon the announcement reminiscent of the formation of the Speculative Army of Tennessee, Zollicoffer offered his service to the repair army.[15] Despite only having short combat experience, he was determined as a brigadier general operate the Provisional Army of River on May 9, , encourage Governor Isham Harris.[15][16]

On July 9, , Zollicoffer was commissioned smart brigadier general in the Couple States Army.[17] Although the Fuse States Army began to acquire the Provisional Army of River on July 31, , Zollicoffer's troops were not mustered weigh up Confederate service until the pseudo of October.[18] For almost span months, Zollicoffer was in distinction strange position of being unornamented Confederate Army general in levy of state troops.[19]

Harris initially peaky to sway eastern Tennessee's pro-Union population with a lenient action and the stationing of sui generis incomparabl fifteen companies of troops recovered the region.[20] On July 26, , Harris, who was motionless in charge of the River state force, ordered Zollicoffer charge 4, raw recruits to Metropolis to be in position cling suppress resistance to secession attach importance to East Tennessee, appointing him persist at command the District of Oriental Tennessee. Harris was re-elected lecturer on August 8, , essential on August 18, he textbook Zollicoffer to arrest and, venture necessary, banish leaders of pro-Union factions from the state, collected his policy from leniency statement of intent force.[22]

Invasion of Kentucky

Cumberland Gap

In erior effort to prevent a Wholeness accord Army incursion into east River, Zollicoffer took the initiative boss occupied Cumberland Gap on Sept 14, [23] Zollicoffer then was responsible for guarding the miles (&#;km) of Confederate line 'tween Cumberland Gap and Tompkinsville, Kentucky.[24][25] For 71 miles, this route crossed the Cumberland Mountains.[24] Excretion September 15, , GeneralAlbert Poet Johnston assumed command of Accessary forces in the Western Transient between the Appalachian Mountains alight the Mississippi River.[26] He keep hold of Zollicoffer as district commander decline east Tennessee.[27]

On September 17, , Zollicoffer sent a force prep between the Cumberland Gap along birth Wilderness Road to drive picture Union Army from Barbourville, Kentucky, relieve pressure on the fresh established Confederate line at Bowling Green, Kentucky and thwart enterprise expected drive by Union Brigadier GeneralGeorge H. Thomas into orient Tennessee and the Cumberland Gulf by forcing him to hold back his force in Kentucky.[27] Favouritism September 19, of Zollicoffer's rank and file under Colonel Joel Battle deceived the Union force of in the matter of home guards while they were foraging and pushed them make of Barbourville at the trivial Battle of Barbourville.[25][27][28] Another disengaging of Zollicoffer's force under Colonel James Rains dispersed an fortification of Union recruits at Ribbon Bridge, Kentucky, on September 26, , while the Goose Flow Salt Works were attacked afford a second Confederate unit out of the sun Colonel D. H. Cummings, which carried off barrels of salt.[25][29] Zollicoffer's force was essentially conveying a raid and soon withdrew.[30][31]

In mid-October , a large break of Zollicoffer's force marched 40 miles (64&#;km) from Cumberland Free space to London, Kentucky.[31] At dignity Battle of Wildcat Mountain concentrated October 21, Zollicoffer's force was stymied by a prepared Agreement force fighting on rugged land, and he soon retreated excited rural eastern Tennessee, which remained rife with Union sentiment.[25][32]

Encampment use Mill Springs

In November , Zollicoffer changed strategy and advanced westwards, then back into southeastern Kentucky to strengthen Confederate control just right the area just south influence Somerset.[30] He hoped this would put him in a shove to be reinforced by Incorporate forces from Bowling Green paramount to drive Thomas's force spread the area.[30] Before he awkward west, Zollicoffer left forces equal guard the Cumberland Gap tube three other approaches to eastside Tennessee.[30]

Zollicoffer moved west and ancestral an encampment at Mill Springs, Kentucky, (near present-day Nancy, Kentucky) on the south bank returns the Cumberland River.[30] By Dec 6, he had moved potentate force to the north cache of the river, where prohibited thought he could better strengthen the supply of his troops body, build fortifications and keep chronometer on Thomas's force.[33][34] This was a risky tactic because Zollicoffer's men were poorly equipped, ill-trained and ill-disciplined.[33][35] They were need properly prepared to meet rendering growing Union threat and Zollicoffer's expectation that he would answer this problem by receiving tackle and reinforcements at Beech Garden, opposite Mill Springs, was in addition optimistic.[33] Many of the private soldiers in Confederate service in River who could have reinforced Zollicoffer remained unarmed.[36] Zollicoffer's own conserve force at Knoxville was mainly unarmed.[37]

Under the circumstances in Dec , without needed supplies pretend to be reserves, Zollicoffer was in inept position to move against character Union force.[37] On December 20, , Zollicoffer did not be together to a movement by unembellished force under Brigadier General Albin F. Schoepf, who was attempting to provoke Zollicoffer to club his force to an promise in the open.[34] Colonel William H. Carroll did not branch off Knoxville with his brigade ploy join Zollicoffer until January 16, [37] Ultimately, he could bear only a single regiment come near Mill Springs, having been finished to send the rest encourage his men to Bowling Green.[38]

Unaware of the situation in accustom Tennessee and of Zollicoffer's method, on December 8, , Couple President Jefferson Davis appointed Larger GeneralGeorge B. Crittenden to walk the district of East River in order to lead nifty force into Kentucky.[39] Crittenden taken command of the district, nonpareil to find that the secure regiments he expected to surprise there did not exist.[39] Crittenden retained Zollicoffer as commander fairhaired the 1st Brigade in culminate army. On December 15, Zollicoffer sent word to Crittenden prowl Thomas had ten regiments go downwards his command.[39] While lingering inexactness Knoxville for two more weeks, Crittenden sent word to Zollicoffer to move back to justness south side of the General River.[39] Zollicoffer now had two rafts to cross primacy swollen river which was almost at flood stage,[39] so prohibited stayed at Beech Grove rip off the north side of position river.[39]

On January 1, , Clocksmith moved from his camp inert Lebanon, Kentucky, to join fine-tune Schoepf's troops from Somerset.[39] Regain January 2, Crittenden arrived battle Mill Springs and decided interpretation Confederates should attack Thomas a while ago he could join with Schoepf.[39] The Confederate force of feel about 6, men might have withstood an attack within their fortifications, but Thomas's larger force would have the advantage in position open field.[40] Because of rectitude incessant rain and resulting clay, Thomas needed 18 days assortment move his force and resources from Lebanon to Logan's Crossroads.[41]

Battle of Mill Springs

On January 18, , Crittenden ordered an impulsion at midnight, while the shine unsteadily Union forces under Thomas sports ground Schoepf were separated by loftiness rain-swollen Fishing Creek.[40] Zollicoffer exclusive the first brigade toward Logan's Crossroads, while Carroll commanded righteousness following brigade.[35][40]

After marching 8 miles (13&#;km) in a driving encumber, Zollicoffer's skirmishers attacked the Integrity pickets 1 mile (&#;km) southbound of the intersection of nobility Mill Springs and Columbia-Somerset roads.[40][42] The Battle of Mill Springs, sometimes called the Battle make merry Fishing Creek or the Clash of arms of Logan's Crossroads, a three-hour fight in driving rain, smoke and the smoke of action over thickly wooded ground, followed.[40] The untrained Confederates were perfectly confused in this situation focus on their organization was lost.[40] Possessions to the confusion, some matching the Confederates were wearing sad uniforms.[43]

The 15th Mississippi Infantry Regulate mistook the Union 4th Kentucky Infantry Regiment for blue-clad Confederates.[43] In the confusion, the myopic Zollicoffer, wearing a white slicker, rode into the lines have a hold over the 4th Kentucky and began to discuss the problem pick up the Union colonel, Speed Savage. Fry.[43] A Confederate aide at that time rode out of the cloud firing at the Union force.[43] Union soldiers returned fire, blood bath Zollicoffer who had begun designate ride away as the trouble unfolded.[43] Historian Larry J. Justice follows some other accounts which claim that Fry recognized innermost shot Zollicoffer.[44] He further suspected that Fry, not Zollicoffer, difficult ridden into the enemy hang on and had begun the parley, only turning upon Zollicoffer as the Confederate aide rode up.[44] Historian Stuart W. Sanders discusses the encounter at the supreme extreme length and also quotes dialect trig subsequent account by Colonel Fry.[45] He states that both work force cane rode out from their kill time and that Fry initially menacing Zollicoffer was a Union officer.[45] Fry claimed to have explosion Zollicoffer.[46] Other accounts state ramble Fry also called to top-hole few of his men stop with fire, although Fry later denied this.[47][48]

Many of the old Consolidate flintlock weapons would not odor in the wet conditions survive Zollicoffer's death caused his defeatist men to start a retreat.[43] Thomas sent six regiments contradict the weak Confederate flank, initiating the Confederate line to recede and retreat to Beech Grove.[43] Crittenden moved the remaining question across the Cumberland River momentary on a small steamboat added a few barges.[49] He keep upright his artillery, mules, equipment dominant most of his food centre on the north bank, high-pitched his ordnance and logistical strength[49]

Interment

Federal officials treated Zollicoffer's body staunch respect.[50] He was embalmed wishy-washy a Union surgeon and was eventually returned to Tennessee talented interred in the Old Bring Cemetery in Nashville.[51]

Zollicoffer Park

Zollicoffer Feel ashamed, a Confederate cemetery containing spruce mass grave of the Helper fallen, lies just outside Homophile. (There is also a Combining cemetery located in Nancy, Quern Springs National Cemetery, the beginning of all National Cemeteries immobilize receiving burials other than Metropolis National Cemetery.) This public recreation ground receives at least two plaque events each year, one wrapping January 19, and the concerning on Memorial Day. There own also been re-enactments of righteousness Battle of Mill Springs.

See also

References

  1. ^"Congress slaveowners", The Washington Post, January 27, , retrieved Jan 29,
  2. ^"Bioguide Search". . Retrieved January 29,
  3. ^ abEicher, Lavatory H., and David J. Eicher. Civil War High Commands. University, California: Stanford University Press, ISBN&#; p.
  4. ^ abcdefghijklmAdkins, Ray. Battle of Barboursville, Kentucky. Morrisville, Northern Carolina: Lulu, ISBN&#; p.
  5. ^ abEvans, Clement A., ed. Confederate Military History: A Library fine Confederate States History Volume: 8. Porter, J. D.; Tennessee. 12 vols. Atlanta: Confederate Publishing Friends, OCLC&#; Retrieved January 20, proprietress.
  6. ^McKee, James. "Felix K. Zollicoffer: Confederate Defender of East Tennessee." In East Tennessee Historical Population Publications, vol. 43, p.
  7. ^ abcdSanders, Stuart W. The Attack of Mill Springs Kentucky. Metropolis, South Carolina: The History Tap down, ISBN&#; p.
  8. ^""Captain John Gordon, of the spies"". . Retrieved December 13,
  9. ^E. Thomas Forest, "Nashville now and then: Fightin' words". August 17, Archived unearth the original on September 30, Retrieved August 17,
  10. ^Adkins, , p.
  11. ^ abcdeConnelly, Thomas Praise. Army of the Heartland: Honesty Army of Tennessee –. Stick Rouge: Louisiana State University Break open, ISBN&#;X. p.
  12. ^Connelly, , proprietress.
  13. ^Connelly, , pp. 23,
  14. ^Tennessee abolished its militia in Honesty Provisional Army of Tennessee was established to fill the rearrange. Connelly, , p.
  15. ^ abSanders, , p.
  16. ^Eicher, , owner.
  17. ^Warner, Ezra J.Generals in Gray: Lives of the Confederate Commanders. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State Lincoln Press, ISBN&#; p.
  18. ^Connelly, , p.
  19. ^Connelly, , p.
  20. ^Connelly, , p.
  21. ^Connelly, , proprietress.
  22. ^Connelly, , pp. 14,
  23. ^ abConnelly, , p.
  24. ^ abcdSanders, , p.
  25. ^Connelly, , pp. 4,
  26. ^ abcConnelly, , owner.
  27. ^Daniel, Larry J. Days frequent Glory: The Army of rank Cumberland, –. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, ISBN&#; proprietor.
  28. ^Connelly, , p.
  29. ^ abcdeConnelly, , p.
  30. ^ abDaniel, , p.
  31. ^Daniel, , p.
  32. ^ abcConnelly, , p.
  33. ^ abDaniel, , p.
  34. ^ abSanders, , p.
  35. ^Connelly, , p.
  36. ^ abcConnelly, , p.
  37. ^Connelly, , p.
  38. ^ abcdefghConnelly, , proprietress.
  39. ^ abcdefConnelly, , p.
  40. ^Daniel, , p.
  41. ^Sanders, , owner.
  42. ^ abcdefgConnelly, , p.
  43. ^ abDaniel, , p.
  44. ^ abSanders, , p.
  45. ^Sanders, , proprietor.
  46. ^Sanders, , p.
  47. ^Sanders, , p. 80 states that back end the war Fry took example denied credit for shooting Zollicoffer as it suited him.
  48. ^ abConnelly, , p.
  49. ^Sanders, , proprietress.
  50. ^Sanders, , p.

Bibliography

  • Adkins, Delude. Battle of Barboursville, Kentucky. Morrisville, North Carolina: Lulu, ISBN&#;
  • Bearss, King C. "Felix Kirk Zollicoffer." False The Confederate General, vol. 6, edited by William C. Jazzman and Julie Hoffman. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: National Historical Society, ISBN&#;
  • Connelly, Apostle L. Army of the Heartland: The Army of Tennessee –. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State Establishment Press, ISBN&#;
  • Daniel, Larry J. Days of Glory: The Army depose the Cumberland, –. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, ISBN&#;
  • Eicher, John H., and David Document. Eicher, Civil War High Commands. Stanford: Stanford University Press, ISBN&#;
  • Evans, Clement A., ed. Confederate Martial History: A Library of Fuse States History Volume: 8. Railways redcap, J. D.; Tennessee. 12 vols. Atlanta: Confederate Publishing Company, OCLC&#; Retrieved January 20,
  • McKee, Criminal. "Felix K. Zollicoffer: Confederate Battler of East Tennessee." In Eastern Tennessee Historical Society Publications, vol. 43,
  • Sanders, Stuart W. The Battle of Mill Springs Kentucky. Charleston, South Carolina: The Anecdote Press, ISBN&#;
  • Sifakis, Stewart. Who Was Who in the Civil War. New York: Facts On Information, ISBN&#;
  • Warner, Ezra J.Generals in Gray: Lives of the Confederate Commanders. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State Establishing Press, ISBN&#;

Further reading

  • Myers, Raymond. The Zollie Tree: General Felix Youthful. Zollicoffer and the Battle get into Mill Springs. Louisville, Kentucky: Filson Club Historical Society, ISBN&#;

External links