Question of the Week: 6/14-6/20/21
It’s been a while since we’ve visited this fun question…
In your opinion, who had the best nickname during the Civil War?
It’s been a while since we’ve visited this fun question…
In your opinion, who had the best nickname during the Civil War?
“Gray Ghost” John Mosby.
Confederate William “Shot Pouch” Walker, known for his propensity for getting wounded. The eighth shot, alas, killed him, at the Battle of Atlanta.
That was going to be my vote, too!
Chris, I’d say great minds think alike, but then you’d have to find another one to stand with you!
William “Old Brick Top” Emory. I also note that George Thomas had several during the war – Pap, Old Slow Trot, The Rock of Chickamauga, The Sledge of Nashville.
Granny Lee gets my vote
Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, probably the most famous nickname.
The Rock of Chickamauga
“Old Bald Head Baldy” Ewell….
Both Mudwall Jackson and Stovepipe Johnson are lovely. However, Unconditional Surrender Grant has to beat Stonewall Jackson in the final game of nicknames.
J.J. Prosper for me D.W. Doctor DeVowell Conner Born Nov. 9, 1830. Joined the Confederate Army 1861. Returned home. June 26, 1865.
Found Rose Greenhowe’s gold on beach near Fort Fisher after she drown trying to escape capture.
When you have a country singer named after you you know you’re famous: Stonewall Jackson.
Uncle Billy, Old Gump. Whatever that means.
I think that should be Cump (instead of Gump), and it was probably derived from Tecumseh.
Thank you! You are correct.
I’ll also vote for “Cerro Gordo” Williams, CSA.
‘Hancock the Superb’
William Henry French/ Blinky
“Shot Pouch” Walker is my favorite; but there are days on which I can empathize with General William “Grumble” Jones.
William “Extra Billy” Smith.
Alexander McDowell (Chucklehead) McCook
Joseph Mower – “The Wolf”
There was a “Swamp Fox” in the American Civil War, too. This nickname was given to Capt. J. J. Dickison of the 2nd Florida Cavalry. He never lost to any of the Union troops he fought against in Florida, and in May of 1864 he even led an attack against a Union warship, the USS Columbine. He and his men disabled this gunship and then captured and sank it during the Battle of Horse Landing on the St. Johns River.
“Baldy” Smith… wasn’t bald.
Or “Grumble Jones
“States Rights” Gist
My top 3 favorites:
1. William “Grumble” Jones
2. Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson
3. Alexander “Chucklehead” McCook
I never cared for longer nicknames, such as George “The Rock of Chicamauga” Thomas and George “Old Snapping Turtle” Meade, as I’d imagine such were more likely to be used in the newspapers rather than by the campfires of the respective armies.