biography
| name: |
Doniphan, Alexander William
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| sex:
| male
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| lived:
| (1808–87)
|
| biography:
| Lawyer and soldier, born in Mason Co, Kentucky, USA. A successful lawyer, he served as militia commander and led a Missouri brigade in a skirmish with Mormons, but refused to carry out an order (that was later rescinded) to execute the prophet Joseph Smith and others captured with him. He commanded a Missouri militia regiment in the Mexican War, arriving at Chihuahua after an epic 12-month, 3 000-mile march. He returned after the war to the practice of law, which he continued until his death. He opposed secession in 1861, favoured Missouri's neutrality, and took no part in the Civil War. |
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