About the Author
John Pulford was born on July 4, 1837 in New York City, New York. He enlisted in the 5th Michigan Infantry as a 1st Lieutenant on June 19, 1861 at Fort Wayne, Michigan. He was mustered into Company A on August 28 at the age of 24. He received several promotions, including: Captain of Company C, May 15, 1862; Major, December 14; Lieutenant Colonel, May 3, 1863; Colonel, June 10, 1864; and, Brigadier General by Brevet, May 31, 1865. His promotion to General was for good conduct and meritorious service during the war. Pulford was wounded in action at: Malvern Hill, Virginia on July 1, 1862; Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on July 2, 1863; Wilderness, Virginia on May 5, 1864; and, Hatcher’s Run, Virginia on October 27. He commanded the First Brigade, Provost Division on June 27, 1865. The 1862 battles that he was listed as fighting in were: Charles City Crossroads (Glendale), Virginia; Fredericksburg, Virginia; Malvern Hill, Virginia; Williamsburg, Virginia; and, Yorktown, Virginia. In 1863, he fought in: Auburn, Virginia; Cedars, Virginia; Chancellorsville, Virginia; Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; Kelly’s Ford, Virginia; Locust Grove, Virginia; Mine Run, Virginia; Peach Orchard (Gettysburg Battlefield), Pennsylvania; and, Wapping Heights (Manassas Gap), Virginia. The 1864 battles included: Boydton Plank Road (Hatcher’s Run), Virginia; Deep Bottom, Virginia; Fair Oaks, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and, Wilderness, Virginia. John Pulford was discharged from service on July 5, 1865 at Jeffersonville, Indiana. He had subsequent service in the U.S. Army from February 23, 1866 until he retired on December 15, 1870. Pulford died on July 11, 1896 in Detroit, Michigan.Documents for this Author: