Geary, John White, 1819-1873

John W. Geary was a lawyer, politician and Union general in the Civil War (1861-1865). He was born in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania on 30 December 1819. After serving as a colonel in the U.S. Army during the Mexican War (1846-1848), Geary went to California for the 1849 gold rush. While in California, Geary became the first governor of San Francisco from 1850 to 1851 and was later governor of the Kansas Territory from 1856-1857. Following his term as governor, Geary returned to Pennsylvania and with the onset of the Civil War he joined the 28th Pennsylvania Infantry as a colonel. He was later promoted to brigadier general and saw action in many of the major battles of the war. Geary later was assigned to the Twelfth Army Corps as a division commander and went on to distinguish himself in command during the Battle of Lookout Mountain in Tennessee, the entire Atlanta Campaign, Sherman's March to the Sea, and the Carolinas Campaign. He also oversaw the surrender of Savannah, Georgia in December 1864 and briefly served as the city's military governor. Following the end of the Civil War, Geary returned to Pennsylvania and served as its governor from 1867 to 1873. He died of a heart attack three weeks after the end of his term as governor on 8 February 1873 in Harrisburg.

From the description of John W. Geary letters, 1858-1865. (Georgia Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 309281955

John White Geary (1819-1873), soldier and politician, served as Territorial Governor of Kansas 1856-57. During the Mexican war Geary was Captain of the American Highlanders, which was attached to the "Cambria Legion." The Highlanders joined the 2d Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteers and served under Gen. Scott in the campaign against Mexico City.

From the description of John White Geary Mexican War papers, 1846-1848. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122567649

From the description of John White Geary Mexican War papers, 1846-1848. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 702128624

John White Geary was both soldier and politician; he served in the Mexican War and was later Territorial Governor of Kansas and Governor of Pennsylvania. At the outbreak of the Mexican War, Geary was Captain of the American Highlanders, which were attached to the "Cambria Legion." He and his company joined the 2nd Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteers at Pittsburgh, where he was elected Lieutenant Colonel. The regiment arrived at Vera Cruz April 11, 1847, via New Orleans and the Lobos Islands, and participated in Scott's advance to Mexico City. Colonel Roberts, the commander of the Regiment, was in such bad health that his responsibilities were left primarily to Geary. In the attack on Chapultepec Geary led the assault upon the fortress, and was placed in charge of this fortress upon its capture. Geary remained there on duty until the end of the war, being elected Colonel of his regiment on the death of Roberts.

From the guide to the John White Geary Mexican War papers, 1846-1848, (Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library)

John White Geary was born December 30, 1819 near Mount Pleasant, PA, the son of Richard and Margaret White Geary. In 1843 he married Margaret Ann Logan. The Gearys had a son, Edward R. Geary, and a daughter. Margaret Logan Geary died in 1853. In 1858 John Geary married Mrs. Mary Church Henderson. When the Civil War began Geary immediately set up a recruiting office and in a few days was made colonel of the 28th Pennsylvania Infantry. His Civil War experience included Harper's Ferry, Chancellorville, Gettysburg, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, the Atlanta Campaign and the March to the Sea.

From the description of Letters, 1858-1865. (Atlanta History Center). WorldCat record id: 30611961

John White Geary (1819-1873) served in the Mexican War in the 2d Pennsylvania Infantry, became postmaster at San Francisco in 1849, and held several other public posts in San Francisco. He returned to Pennsylvania in 1852, became governor of Kansas Territory in 1856, but resigned in 1857 and went back to Pennsylvania. Geary served with the 28th Pennsylvania Regiment in the Civil War and was twice elected governor of the state, 1867-73.

From the description of John White Geary papers, 1855-1871. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 702127584

John White Geary (1819-1873) served in the Mexican War in the 2d Pennsylvania Infantry, became postmaster at San Francisco in 1849, and held several other public posts in San Francisco. He returned to Pennsylvania in 1852, became governor of Kansas Territory in 1856, but resigned in 1857 and went back to Pennsylvania. Geary served with the 28th Pennsylvania Regiment in the Civil War and was twice elected governor of the state, 1867-1873.

From the guide to the John White Geary business papers, 1834-1873, (Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library)

American political leader.

From the description of Autograph letter signed : Harrisburg, Pa., to E.R. Hoar, 1869 Mar. 26. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 269570315

From the description of Letter signed : Harrisburg, to President Grant, 1869 Oct. 30. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 269597329

From the description of Signature : [n.p., n.d.]. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 269599452