Gideon Johnson Pillow, an American soldier, born in Williamson co., Tenn., June 8, 1806. He graduated at Nashville university in 1827, studied law, and commenced practice at Columbia, Tenn. In 1844 he was a delegate to the democratic national convention at Baltimore, where he aided largely in gaining the presidential nomination for Mr. Polk. When the war with Mexico broke out in 1846, he was made a brigadier general of volunteers, and after serving under Gen. Taylor was ordered to join Scott at Vera Cruz, and took part in the siege of that city. At the battle of Cerro Gordo, April 18, 1847, he commanded the right wing, was wounded, and was soon after made major general. In June, at the head of a considerable force, he moved inland, joined Gen. Scott, and took part in the battles of Churubusco, Chapultepec, and Molino del Key. After the close of the war he was arrested upon charges of insubordination preferred by Gen. Scott, was tried by court martial, and acquitted. He then resumed the practice of his profession. At the opening of the civil war he entered the confederate service, commanded at the battle of Belmont, Mo., Nov. 7,1861, and was second in command under Gen. Floyd at Fort Donel-son in February, 1862. Floyd, refusing to perform the act of surrender, handed over the command to Pillow, who made it over to Buck-ner, who surrendered the fort, Floyd and Pillow escaping with a portion of their men.

He was relieved from command, but subsequently served under Beauregard in the southwest.

Pillory, from an old Engraving.