Background
Johnson, Richard W. was born on February 7, 1827 in Smithland, Kentucky, United States. Son of Doctor James L. and Jane (Leeper) Johnson.
Johnson, Richard W. was born on February 7, 1827 in Smithland, Kentucky, United States. Son of Doctor James L. and Jane (Leeper) Johnson.
Graduated from the United States Military Academy, 1849.
Commissioned lieutenant colonel 3d Kentucky Cavalry, 1861. Commissioned brigadier general United States Volunteers, 1861. Assigned to General Buell’s army in engagements at Shiloh, Tennessee, siege of Corinth, Mississippi.
Commanded a division of Army of Ohio in Tennessee campaign.
Commanded 12th division Army of Cumberland in battles of Stones River, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, New Hope Church, Georgia brevetted lieutenant colonel for service at Battle of Chickamauga, 1863, colonel for Battle of Chattanooga, 1863, major general United States United States Volunteers. Commanded a division of cavalry in Battle of Nashville, 1864 subsequently brevetted brigadier general 1865.
Commissioned major general United States general United States Army. Retired with rank of major general, 1867.
Professor military science U. Missouri, later at University of Minnesota Author: A Memoir of General George H. Thomas, 1881.
Manual for Colt’s Breech-Loading Carbine, 1886.
Married Rachel Steele, 1855. Married second, Julia McFarland, 1894.