James A. Mount | |
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24th Governor of Indiana | |
In office January 11, 1897 – January 14, 1901 |
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Lieutenant | William S. Haggard |
Preceded by | Claude Matthews |
Succeeded by | Winfield T. Durbin |
Member of the Indiana State Senate | |
In office 1888–1892 |
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Personal details | |
Born | March 24, 1843 Montgomery County, Indiana |
Died | January 16, 1901 (aged 57) Indianapolis, Indiana |
Political party | Republican |
Spouse(s) | Catherine Boyd |
Religion | Presbyterian |
Military service | |
Allegiance | United States of America |
Service/branch | United States Army |
Years of service | 1862–1865 |
Rank | Sergeant |
Unit | 72nd Regiment Indiana Infantry |
Battles/wars |
James Atwell Mount (March 24, 1843 – January 16, 1901) was the 24th Governor of Indiana from 1897 to 1901. His term coincided with the economic recovery following the Panic of 1893, and focused primarily on industrial regulations and advancement of agriculture. As governor during the Spanish–American War, he oversaw the formation as dispatch of the state levies and played an important role in changing national policy to permit African-Americans serve as army officers.
James Atwell Mount was born in Montgomery County, Indiana on March 24, 1843, one of the twelve children of Atwell and Lucinda Fullenwider Mount. He received little formal education during the winter months when no farming could be conducted, and spent most of his youth working on his family's farm, and clearing land for use as pasture and fields.
He enlisted in the Union Army in 1862, during the height of the American Civil War, and was assigned to the 72nd Indiana Infantry. His regiment was part of the famous Lightning Brigade commanded by John T. Wilder. Mount gained a reputation for valor and bravery, and twice volunteered for charges against superior forces during the Battle of Chickamauga during September 1863.
He remained in the service for the duration of the war and served primarily as a scout and skirmisher. During Sherman's march to the sea he was one of the leading scouts of the army, and was the first Union soldier to enter Georgia. He remained with the army throughout its destructive march across the state, and participated in the widespread scorched earth tactics of the campaign.