Background
Wainwright, John was born on July 13, 1839 in Syracuse, New York, United States. Son of Samuel Force and Maria (Humphrey) Wainwright.
Wainwright, John was born on July 13, 1839 in Syracuse, New York, United States. Son of Samuel Force and Maria (Humphrey) Wainwright.
Educational public schools, New York.
Wainwright volunteered for service in the Union Army in April 1861 as a private in Company G, 2nd Pennsylvania Infantry. After completing his 90 day enlistment, Wainwright joined the 97th Pennsylvania Infantry as a private. He rose rapidly in the ranks becoming First Sergeant and then being commissioned as Second Lieutenant and promoted to First Lieutenant.
On January 15, 1865, the North Carolina Confederate stronghold of Fort Fisher was taken by a combined Union storming party of sailors, marines, and soldiers under the command of Admiral David Dixon Porter and General Alfred Terry. Wainwright was a brevet lieutenant colonel and was in command of the 97th Pennsylvania Infantry because the 97th's colonel, Galusha Pennypacker, was leading a brigade. Both Wainwright and Pennypacker were wounded in the assault on Fort Fisher.
In addition to the Medal of Honor, Wainwright was cited for gallantry at the Battle of Chaffin's Farm on October 7, 1864. He was wounded at James Island on June 12, 1862. Wainwright was promoted to colonel of the 97th Pennsylvania on June 1, 1865.
He mustered out of the army at Weldon, North Carolina on August 28, 1865.
Served in Army of the South, Army of Virginia, and North Carolina, Army of the Potomac and Army of the Ohio. Bvtd. captain and major and commended “for gallantry in action before Richmond, Virginia, October 7, 1864”. Member City Council, Wilmington, 1893-1895.
Member Loyal Legion, Medal of Honor Legion of the United States, S.A.R.
Married Emma M. Edwards, of Chester Company, Pennsylvania, April.