John Henderson Craigmiles

Background

John Craigmiles was born on July 7, 1825, in Cleveland, Tennessee, United States. He was the son of Joseph and Bethsheba Henderson Craigmiles.

Career

John Craigmiles became a banker in Cleveland sometime in the 1840s. Nothing is known of his prewar public career.

As chief commissary agent under Secretary of War Judah P. Benjamin, his task was to gather and transport food to the troops in the field. He ably coordinated the movement of all goods to the front lines. When the war ended, he returned to banking in Cleveland.

Because of the severe internal dissension in Tennessee left over from the war, Craigmiles was never able to participate in public life after the war. At one time the Brownlow government accused him of treason to the Union because of his dedication to the Confederate cause.

Craigmiles became president of the First National Bank of Cleveland during the late 1860s and served in that capacity until his death there on January 7, 1899.

Achievements

• John Henderson Craigmiles is known for the building of St. Luke Episcopal Church. He made thousands of shipping supplies to the California Gold Rush. He also sold supplies to the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Known to have bought meat at 8 cents a pound and then sell it to the Confederate Army for 14 cents a pound. John was drafted to the Confederate Army but sent a paid substitute in his place.

Religion

John Craigmiles was an Episcopal churchwarden.

Politics

Craigmiles voted against secession in the Tennessee convention but volunteered for service in the Confederate government after the war began.

Connections

John Craigmiles married Myra Adelia Thompson on December 18, 1860, and they gave birth to the first daughter, Nina, in August 1864. The family was devoted to the little girl, perhaps none more so than her grandfather, Dr. Tompson, who often took her on medical calls in his buggy. On October 18, 1871, Dr. Tompson steered the carriage in front of an oncoming train, which threw him clearly but instantly killed Nina. After the funeral services, John built a church for the local Episcopal congregation in memory of his daughter. Saint Luke's was completed on the third anniversary of Nina's death.

Father:

Joseph L. Craigmiles

1782-1854

Mother:

Bethsheba Henderson Craigmiles

1793-1854

Brother:

William H. Craigmiles

1811-1898

Brother:

Pleasant Miller Craigmiles

1813-1876

Sister:

Mary Lucinda Craigmiles Edwards

1818-1877

Brother:

James M. Craigmiles

1823-1900

Brother:

Pryor Lee Craigmiles

1827-1907

Sister:

Emily J. Craigmiles Campbell

1831-1889

Brother:

Joseph Greene Craigmiles

1835-1872

Wife:

Myra Adelia Thompson Craigmiles Cross

1842-1928

Daughter:

Nina Craigmiles

1864-1871

colleague:

Judah P. Benjamin

References

• Thirteen Tennessee Ghosts and Jeffrey: Commemorative Edition
  2016
• Haunted Tennessee: Ghosts and Strange Phenomena of the Volunteer State
  2009