Pillow, Gideon Johnson, 1806-1878

Gideon Johnson Pillow (1806-1878) was born in Williamson County, Tennessee. He practiced law with James Knox Polk (1795-1849), the 11th presdient of the United States. Pillow was appointed Brigadier General of the U.S. Volunteers in 1846 and later promoted to Major General because of his friendship with President Polk. He served during the Mexican War (1846-1848) and fought during the battles of Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo, Contreras, and Chapultepec. He was appointed Senior Major General of the Provisional army of Tennessee and later became Brigadier General of the Confederate Army in 1861.

From the description of Letter from Gideon Johnson Pillow, 1847. (Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens). WorldCat record id: 122332622

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