Title
John B. Turchin
Subject
Turchin, John B. (John Basil), 1822-1901
American Civil War (1861-1865)
United States. Army of the Ohio
Alabama--Athens
Courts-martial and courts of inquiry
Illinois--Chicago
Russia
Immigrants
Description
John Basil Turchin, controversial Union Civil War officer, was born Ivan Vasilyevich Turchaninov in Russia in 1822, and Americanized his name after he immigrated to the United States in 1856.
Serving as a regimental, division, and brigade commander in the Army of the Ohio, Turchin's command was part of the Union force that occupied portions of northern Alabama in April 1862.
In May 1862, with his troops occupying Athens, Alabama, Turchin's men went on a rampage, destroying homes and businesses in the town, ostensibly in retaliation for Confederate attacks in the area.
The "Sack of Athens" led to Turchin's court martial on charges of conduct unbecoming an officer and neglect of duty. Although found guilty on all charges, Turchin had political supporters in Illinois, where he and his wife Nadine had lived as residents of Chicago before the war, who put pressure on the War Department to assist Turchin. Instead of being punished, Turchin was promoted to Brigadier General and eventually left the service in 1864.
After the war, Turchin authored books on military history. He died in 1902.
Serving as a regimental, division, and brigade commander in the Army of the Ohio, Turchin's command was part of the Union force that occupied portions of northern Alabama in April 1862.
In May 1862, with his troops occupying Athens, Alabama, Turchin's men went on a rampage, destroying homes and businesses in the town, ostensibly in retaliation for Confederate attacks in the area.
The "Sack of Athens" led to Turchin's court martial on charges of conduct unbecoming an officer and neglect of duty. Although found guilty on all charges, Turchin had political supporters in Illinois, where he and his wife Nadine had lived as residents of Chicago before the war, who put pressure on the War Department to assist Turchin. Instead of being punished, Turchin was promoted to Brigadier General and eventually left the service in 1864.
After the war, Turchin authored books on military history. He died in 1902.
Source
Logan Collection
Publisher
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Date
XXXX-XX-XX
Format
jpeg
Language
eng
Identifier
404620
Original Format
cabinet card
b & w
AV-1956-1-1423A
Physical Dimensions
16.5 x 10.75 cm