Background
Rawlins, John Aaron was born on February 13, 1831 in Galena, Illinois, United States. Son of James Dawson and Lovisa (Collier) Rawlins.
army officer United States secretary of war
Rawlins, John Aaron was born on February 13, 1831 in Galena, Illinois, United States. Son of James Dawson and Lovisa (Collier) Rawlins.
Attended Rock River Seminary, Mount Morris, Illinois.
Admitted to Illinois bar, 1854. City attorney, Galena, 1857. Participated in organization 45th Illinois Infantry, became major, 1861.
Aide de camp to General Grant.
Lieutenant, August 1861. Captain, assistant adjutant general United States Volunteers as member Grant’s staff, August 30, 1861.
Verified, edited, finalized Grant’s papers. Promoted major, then lieutenant colonel, 1862, brigadier general United States Volunteers, 1863.
Brigadier general, chief of staff Army, 1865.
Promoted major general United States Army, 1865. United States secretary of war, 1869.
Member Grant’s staff, August
Married Emily Smith, June 5, 1856. Married second, Mary Hurlburt, December 23, 1863.