William "Bull" Nelson, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death

William "Bull" Nelson

Union Army general

Date of Birth: 27-Sep-1824

Place of Birth: Maysville, Kentucky, United States

Date of Death: 29-Sep-1862

Profession: military officer

Nationality: United States

Zodiac Sign: Libra

William "Bull" Nelson (September 27, 1824 – September 29, 1862) was a United States naval officer who became a Union general in the Civil War. As a Kentuckian, Nelson could sympathize with the Confederates but threw in his lot with the North.
Secretary of Treasury Salmon P.
Chase believed Nelson's actions had kept Kentucky loyal, promoting him brigadier general in September 1861.
His 4th Division bore the brunt of heavy fighting at Shiloh and took part in the Siege of Corinth, Nelson being the first man to enter the town.
Wounded at the Battle of Richmond, Nelson was forced to retreat to Louisville, to plan a new assault. It was here that General Jefferson C.
Davis, still officially on sick leave, reported to Nelson, who was dissatisfied with his performance and insulted him in front of witnesses.
A few days later, Davis demanded a public apology, but instead the two officers argued noisily and physically, concluding in Davis mortally wounding Nelson with a pistol.
The incident has overshadowed Nelson's contribution to the Union cause.