The New Student's Reference Work/Pillow, Gideon Johnson

Pil′low, Gid′eon John′son, an American soldier, was born in Williamson County, Tenn., June 8, 1806. He graduated at the University of Nashville in 1827, and not long after was admitted to the bar. During the Mexican War he was appointed a brigadier-general of volunteers. He commanded the right wing at Cerro Gordo, where he was wounded. Being promoted for gallantry, he took part at Molino del Rey and Chapultepec, where he was again and more severely wounded. He practiced law in his own state until the beginning of the Civil War, to avert which he had proposed various compromises. But having entered the Confederate service in 1861, he rapidly advanced to the command of a brigade, and took part in the battles of Belmont and Fort Donelson. He was second in command when the latter was taken by the Federal troops, but made his escape. He afterwards served under General Beauregard in the southwest. He died in Lee County, Ark., Oct. 8, 1878.