Notes |
- WEBSTER, Joseph Dana, soldier, was born in Old Hampton, N.H., Aug. 25, 1811; son of the Rev. Josiah Webster. He was graduated at Dartmouth, A.B., 1832, in 1835 became a U.S. civil engineer, and in 1837 was commissioned 2d lieutenant of topographical engineers. He fought in the war with Mexico, was promoted 1st lieutenant in July, 1849, and captain in March, 1853. In 1854 he resigned his commission, and made his residence in Chicago, Ill. He was prominently identified with the installation of a system of sewerage, and with the raising of the grade of a portion of the city. In 1861 he superintended the fortifying of Cairo, Ill.; was appointed paymaster with rank of major, U.S.V., June 1, 1861, and in February, 1862, was promoted colonel and given command of the 1st Illinois artillery. He was engaged at the capture of Forts Henry and Donelson, and was chief of artillery at Shiloh, where he assisted materially by arranging twenty or more pieces of artillery on a bluff overlooking a deep ravine, thus forming a nucleus for the final stand of the Union troops on the first day. He was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers, Nov. 29, 1862, was military governor of Memphis, Tenn., and during the Vicksburg campaign, was once more on Grant's staff. He was chief of staff to General Sherman during his invasion, was brevetted major-general of volunteers March 13, 1865, and resigned his commission Nov. 6, 1865. He was assessor of internal revenue, Chicago, 1869-72; and collector, 1872-76. He died in Chicago, Ill. March 12, 1876.
famous soldier [1]
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