Augustus Pleasonton

Augustus James Pleasonton, often called A. J. Pleasonton (January 21, 1801 – July 26, 1894), was a militia general during the American Civil War. He wrote the pseudo-scientific book The Influence Of The Blue Ray Of The Sunlight And Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky, which was published in 1876. His book is often attributed to being the birth of contemporary chromotherapy. He was the son of Stephen Pleasonton and elder brother of Civil War-General Alfred Pleasonton.

Augustus Pleasonton was born in Washington D.C. in 1801. He was the second son of Stephen Pleasonton (originally from Delaware) and Mary Hopkins (from Lancaster, Pennsylvania). Stephen Pleasonton served in the US State Department from 1800 until his death in 1854. Stephen Pleasonton served as the fifth auditor of the Treasury Department, acting Commissioner of the Revenue of the United States, and Chief of the Light House Department. Stephen Pleasonton fought in the War of 1812, earning him fame and honor as a commander for the United States. Stephen Pleasonton's wife (Augustus Pleasonton's mother), was the third daughter of John Hopkins, a wealthy farmer and then-Senator of the state of Pennsylvania. Stephen Pleasonton is of Norman-descent and his wife, Mary Hopkins, is of English descent.

Augustus Pleasonton would go on to serve in the military, directly influenced by his father's public and civil service, as would Augustus's younger brother, Alfred Pleasonton who commanded the Cavalry Corps in the Civil War.

Pleasonton attended the United States Military Academy, and graduated in 1826. His first posting was at the Artillery School of Practice at Fort Monroe, Virginia. From 1827 he served on Topographical duty, resigning in June 1830.

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