John Joseph Pershing (1860-1948) was born in Linn
County, Missouri. He was a United States Army officer who graduated from
Missouri State Normal School in 1880,and taught school. He graduated from the US
Military Academy in 1884.
Pershing got married to Helen F. Warren in 1905 and
together had three daughters. His wife and three daughters were trapped inside
their burning house and were burned to death.
His nickname was "Black Jack." He was the
second lieutenant of the sixth Cavalry and also served in expeditions against
the Apaches in Arizona.In 1892 he became 1st lieutenant after graduating from
law school.
He later was sent to the Philippines and President
Roosevelt was so impressed by his record that he was promoted to brigadier
general. Pershing later commanded American expeditionary forces during the
entire period of World War I. Pershing arrived in France on June 13,1917 and was
given the rank of general. Pershing was the highest ranking officer in American
history until congress granted Washington the same rank in 1979.
Sources:
Encyclopedia Americana
World Book Encyclopedia
The New Book of Knowledge
New Standard Encyclopedia