John Buford, Jr.

After graduating from West Point in 1848 he served in the dragoons in the West and on the expedition against the Mormons in Utah (1857-58). He was appointed Captain, 2nd US Dragoons 9 March 1854, which was designated the 2nd US Cavalry 3 August 1861. He was promoted to Major and Assistant Adjutant General 12 November, and Brigadier General, US Volunteers 27 July 1862. He led a brigade of Cavalry in July and August 1862, but was wounded at 2nd Bull Run.

"On September 9, 1862, McClellan pulled Buford from brigade command and appointed him Chief of Cavalry ... At the Battle of Antietam, just a week later, Buford had no field command and was stuck at "Little Mac's" headquarters during most of the action. He was, however, near Corps Commander General Joseph Hooker when the latter was wounded at the "Bloody Cornfield" and overheard the General's wish that General George G. Meade take over his command. Spurring his horse, Buford took the request to McClellan, who issued the order. Buford, then, played a major role in getting the right commander to the right place at a crucial time. It would not be the last time this would happen. "
(from Petruzzi)

He remained in the Staff postion, under Burnside, through Fredericksburg (December 1862). He then took command of the Reserve Brigade, and was on Stoneman's raid in the Chancellorsville Campaign. He commanded the division at Brandy Station, Aidie, Middleburg, and Upperville.

He is best known for his leadership at the first day's action at Gettysburg, 1 July 1863. With two brigades he and his cavalry held the ground against considerable odds until the arrival of Union infantry.

He was ill for most of the summer following Gettysburg, but did see action at Brandy Station. He was more seriously ill that fall, and died of Typhoid fever that December. He was appointed Major General on his deathbed by President Lincoln (to date from 1 July 1863).

His service from Heitman1 and a bio sketch by J. David Petruzzi online at Buford's Boys [gone]. His gravesite is on Findagrave.

3/4/1826; Woodford County, KY

12/16/1863; Washington, DC; burial in United States Military Academy Post Cemetery, West Point, NY