James McCown came to Missouri from Virginia in 1840, settling in Warrensburg, where he became active in community affairs. With the start of the Civil War, he joined the Missouri State Guard with his three sons, and become lieutenant colonel and later colonel of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, 8th Division. When the Confederate 5th Missouri Infantry was organized, McCown was elected colonel; he led the regiment at the battles of Iuka, Corinth, Port Gibson, Champion Hill, and Big Black River. McCown was captured at Vicksburg; when he was exchanged he assumed command of the consolidated Third and Fifth Missouri Infantry and fought at Atlanta, Franklin, and Nashville. McCown and his regiment surrendered at Fort Blakely, Alabama, on April 9, 1865.

Returning to Warrensburg, McCown died of typhoid fever on July 5, 1867.

Carte-de-Visite by Duffee & Co., Mobile, Ala.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 31479