Military officer; born in
Kentucky, July 9, 1808; graduated at Augusta College in 1826; admitted to the bar in 1830.
In addition to his legal studies he was interested in military matters and became brigadier-general in the Missouri State militia.
In 1838 he compelled the Mormons (q. v.)under
Joseph Smith, to give up their leaders for trial, lay down their arms, and leave the
State.
In 1846 he entered the
United States service as colonel of the 1st Missouri Regiment; in December of that year he defeated a superior force of Mexicans at Brazito River (q. v.); two days later he occupied
El Paso.
In February, 1847, with less than 1,000 men, after a march of over 200 miles through a sterile country, he met a force of 4,000 Mexicans at the pass of
Sacramento.
He attacked with such vigor that the Mexicans were soon overpowered, having lost over 800 in killed and wounded,
Doniphan's own loss being one man killed, eleven wounded. He subsequently marched 700 miles through a hostile country until he reached
Saltillo.
He died in
Richmond, Mo., Aug. 8, 1887.
