Major John H. Gee, 1819-1876

Major John H. Gee, 1819-1876

Although he was not a native of North Carolina, Major John H. Gee was a prominent figure in North Carolina during the Civil War era. Specifically, John Gee was the commanding officer for the Confederate Prison in Salisbury NC. Gee was born in Georgetown, South Carolina and moved to Gadsden County, Florida where he become a wealthy land owner. When the Civil War began Gee was appointed to serve the governor of Florida and was soon promoted to Major. He was called upon by General Bragg to command Salisbury Prison in 1864 and held that post until the end of the war. During his time there, the prison was unable to sustain the massive influx of Union soldiers it deteriorated quickly. After the war, Gee was charged with war crimes against the Union soldiers but was acquitted of all charges in 1866. Gee then returned to Florida to continue his medical practice with his brother until he passed away in 1876. His life is very much controversial due to the fact that he was not held responsible for the deterioration of the prison under his command.

Elias Ballew

Gee, Mike. "GEEnealogy." Last modified October 6, 2002.Accessed April 11, 2012.http://www2.arkansas.net/~mgee/genealo.html.

1819

Biography