★ ★ Steedman, James B.

James Blair Steedman​

Born: July 29, 1817

Birthplace: Northumberland County, Pennsylvania

Father: George Steedman 1793 – 1832

Mother: Margaret Sarah Blair 1800 – 1832

1st​ Wife: Sarah Miranda Stiles 1818 – 1872

2nd​ Wife: Rosa Nellis Barr 1851 – 1876

3rd​ Wife: Margaret Gildea 1862 – 1948

Children:

Lewis Cass Steedman 1848 – 1876​

​

Rebecca Blair Steedman 1879 – 1916​

​

Samuel Tilden Steedman 1881 – 1952​

​

Mary Mae Steedman 1883 – 1975​

Occupation before War:

Typesetter for Lewisburg Democrat Newspaper​

​

Typesetter for Louisville Journal Newspaper ​

​

1835: Served in the Texas War for Independence​

​

Supervisor of Public Works Projects in Pennsylvania​

​

Public Works Contractor in Ohio​

​

Owner of Printing Press in Napoleon, Ohio​

​

Publisher of Northwest Democrat Newspaper​

​

Member of Ohio State General Assembly​

​

Railroad Conductor in the State of Ohio​

​

1849: Participated in the California Gold Rush​

​

1852 – 1857: Member of Ohio State Board of Public Works​

​

Attorney in Toledo, Ohio​

​

Editor of North – Western Democrat and Toledo Times Newspapers​

​

Major General in Ohio State Militia

​

1856 – 1860: Printer for United States Congress​

​

1860: Ohio Delegate to Democratic Party National Convention​

​

1860: Active Supporter for Stephen A. Douglas for President​

​

1860: Unsuccessful Candidate for United States Congressman​

Civil War Career:

1861: Raised the 14th​ Ohio Volunteers Infantry Regiment​

​

1861 – 1862: Colonel of 14th​ Ohio Infantry Regiment​

​

1861: Served in the Battle of Philippi Western, Virginia​

​

1862: Served in the Battle of Mill Springs, Kentucky​

​

1862: Served in the Siege of Corinth, Mississippi​

​

1862 – 1864: Brigadier General Union Army Volunteers​

​

1862: Reinforced Rousseau's Division at Perryville, Kentucky​

​

1862 – 1863: Served in the Battle of Stones River, Tennessee​

​

1863: Led the vanguard of Reserves at Battle of Chickamuga​

​

1863: Served in the Siege of Chattanooga, Tennessee​

​

1863: Served in Third Battle of Chattanooga, Tennessee​

​

1863 – 1864: Union Army Commander in Chattanooga, Tennessee​

​

1864 – 1866: Major General, Union Army Volunteers​

​

1864: Participated in the Atlanta, Georgia Campaign​

​

1864: Union Army District Commander of District of Etowah​

​

1864: Led Provisional Division at the Battle of Nashville, Tennessee​

​

1865: Union Army District Commander of District of Etowah

​

1865: Union Army Commander of Department of Georgia​

​

1866: Resigned from the Union Army​

Occupation after War:

1866 – 1869: Collector of Internal Revenue in New Orleans, Louisiana​

​

Editor of Northern Ohio Democrat Newspaper​

​

Ohio State Senator​

​

1883: Chief of Police in Toledo, Ohio​

Died: October 18, 1883

Place of Death: Toledo, Ohio

Cause of Death: Pneumonia

Age at time of Death: 66 years old

Burial Place: Woodlawn Cemetery, Toledo, Ohio

 

[Pollaco]

He must have been a "bigger" man, a bio about him states that his large frame helped him project a sense of authority, and the pictures of him look the part too. After his fighting at Phillipi he managed to get most of his men to reenlist after they were mustered out on August 13, 1861.

 

[Luke Freet]

Steedman was applauded by General Thomas for his timely arrival during the Rock's Stand at Chickamauga, helping reinforce the line on Snodgrass Hill.
It surprises me that he constantly was sidelined after the battle to department commands.

 

[Pollaco]

He was awarded with a major generalship for his "heroic" actions at Chickamauga but it took several months, you'd think with a recommendation from George Thomas that second star would have gone right through with no delays.

 

[gentlemanrob]

Happy Birthday Major General James B. Steadman! Salutes remembering General Steadman on his birthday.

 

[gentlemanrob]

Happy (Friday) Birthday Major General James B. Steedman! Salutes remembering General Steedman on his birthday week.

 

[Luke Freet]

Steedman's reputation is quite mixed. His performance at Chickamauga, fighting hard on Snodgrass Hill, was exemplary. However, others claimed he was a bloated degenerate when he took command of the Chattanooga garrison. He seemed prideful of the ability of the black troops he led at Nashville, though others insinuate he was just happy to be in battle again.