John Stevenson was born on June 8, 1821, in Staunton, Virginia; in 1842 he began practicing law in Franklin County, Missouri. He also served in the Missouri legislature and as a captain of Missouri volunteers during the Mexican-American War.

When the Civil War began, Stevenson became colonel of the 7th Missouri Infantry, and commanded a brigade during the Battle of Corinth. In March 1863 Stevenson was appointed a brigadier general of volunteers and given command of the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, XVII Corps, and led that brigade during the Vicksburg Campaign. Stevenson became famous for leading a charge that broke the Confederate left flank at the Battle of Champion Hill, Mississippi.

After service in Corinth, Mississippi, Stevenson resigned in April 1864, but was reappointed a brigadier general that August and commanded the District of Harpers Ferry until war’s end.

After the war he returned to St. Louis, where he resumed his law practice until his death on January 22, 1897.

Carte-de-Visite by Troxell & Bro, St. Louis, Mo.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 31634