Alexander William Doniphan (1808 - 1887)

Born 9 Jul 1808 in Mason County, Kentucky, U.S.

Ancestors

Died 8 Aug 1887 at age 79 in Richmond, Ray, Missouri, United States

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Biography

Alexander Doniphan is Notable.

Alexander W. Doniphan 1808 - 1887 General Alexander William Doniphan married Elizabeth Jane Thornton. He was born on 8th July 1808 at Mason County, Kentucky, the son of Joseph Doniphan and Anne Fowke Smith. General Alexander William Doniphan died in 1887 at Richmond [1] He had two sons who died in youth.^[1]

Alexander W. Doniphan was a prominent lawyer, military leader, and political figure. He is remembered for his refusal to execute Joseph Smith and Smith’s followers during the 1838 Mormon War and his exemplary military leadership during the Mexican War of 1846–1848. Although he was not a professional military commander, Doniphan successfully led his troops on one of the longest marches in military history, contributing to the United States’ victory over Mexico.

Born on July 9, 1808, in Mason County, Kentucky, Alexander was the youngest of ten children born to Joseph and Anne Smith Doniphan. After serving in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, Joseph became a prosperous farmer and served as county sheriff.

In 1813, after Joseph Doniphan’s unexpected death, Alexander was sent to live with his oldest brother, George, in Augusta, Kentucky. Doniphan graduated from Augusta College when he was eighteen and then read law with attorney Martin P. Marshall. He was admitted to the Kentucky bar, but decided to head west in search of greater opportunity. In 1830 he settled in Lexington, Missouri, where he quickly earned a reputation as an eloquent and skilled defense attorney.

Three years later, Doniphan moved to Liberty, Missouri, and became friends with influential local attorney and politician David Rice Atchison. He also joined the local militia company, the Liberty Blues, beginning what would become a lengthy military career.

Legacy

• Doniphan County, Kansas is named in his honor.

Sources

1. ↑ Connelley, William Elsey "Doniphan's Expedition" (1907) pp.30&31: published by Crane & Company of Topeka, Kansas

• http://www.gunstonhall.org/library/masonweb/p128.htm#i6460
• Sydney-Smith and Claggett-Price Genealogy Lucy Montgomery Smith Price 1927
• Historic Missourians
• Wikidata: Item Q881051, en:Wikipedia