Alexander William Doniphan
Alexander William Doniphan (July 9, 1808 – August 8, 1887) was a 19th-century American attorney, soldier and politician from Missouri who is best known today as the man who prevented the summary execution of Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, at the close of the 1838 Mormon War in that state. He also achieved renown as a leader of American troops during the Mexican–American War, as the author of a legal code that still forms the basis of New Mexico's Bill of Rights, and as a successful defense attorney in the Missouri towns of Liberty, Richmond and Independence.
Alexander Doniphan | |
|---|---|
Alexander William Doniphan (Mathew Brady's studio) (Library of Congress collection) | |
| Born | July 9, 1808 Mason County, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Died | August 8, 1887 (aged 79) Richmond, Missouri, U.S. |
| Resting place | Fairview Cemetery Liberty, Missouri, U.S. 39.2428°N 94.4239°W |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Augusta College |
| Occupation(s) | Lawyer, soldier |
| Known for | Sparing Joseph Smith's life Author Kearny code |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Title | Colonel |
| Spouse |
Elizabeth Jane Thornton
(m. 1838–1873) |
| Children | John Thornton Alexander William Jr. |
| Parent(s) | Joseph and Anne Fowke (née Smith) Doniphan |
| Military career | |
| Nickname(s) | "The American Xenophon" |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1836–1848 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | 1st Missouri Mounted Volunteers |
| Battles/wars |
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| Signature | |
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