James Burton Pond
| James B. Pond | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
June 11, 1838 Cuba, Allegany County, New York |
| Died | June 21, 1903 (aged 65) Jersey City, New Jersey |
| Place of burial | Woodlawn Cemetery, The Bronx, New York |
| Allegiance |
 United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/branch |
 Union Army
|
| Years of service | 1861 - 1865 |
| Rank |
 Major
|
| Unit | 3rd Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars |
American Civil War *Battle of Baxter Springs |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
| Relations | George F. Pond, brother |
James Burton Pond (June 11, 1838 – June 21, 1903) was an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. For his actions during the Battle of Baxter Springs, he received the Medal of Honor. Returning to civilian life, he became a successful lecture manager whose clients included Mark Twain, Winston Churchill, and Henry Morton Stanley.
Pond was born on June 11, 1838 in Cuba, New York, though his official residence was listed as Janesville, Wisconsin. The family moved, first to Illinois in 1844, then to Wisconsin in 1847.
Pond became a strong abolitionist. He was a member of the Underground Railroad, helping escaped slaves reach freedom and reportedly riding with John Brown for a time in the mid-1850s.
He studied printing and published The Journal in Markesan, Wisconsin between 1860 and 1861.
In November 1861, Pond was commissioned as a lieutenant in the 3rd Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry Regiment. At the Battle of Baxter Springs, he fought against the notorious Confederate guerrilla leader William Quantrill and his Raiders. For his heroism in that action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor on March 30, 1898. By the time he mustered out in September 1865, he had been promoted to the rank of major.
After the war, he tried his hand at various business enterprises in the western United States.
In Salt Lake City, he was asked to manage a national lecture tour for Ann Eliza Young, the 52nd wife of Brigham Young, who had become disillusioned with her husband. She eventually divorced Young and spoke out against him, the LDS Church, and polygamy.
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