John Pulford was born in New York City on July 4,
1837. He moved to Detroit with his parents at the age of 13, attended
public schools, read for the law and was admitted to the bar. He
was proprietor of a hotel and foreman of Fire Engine Company No.
3. Pulford was twice married and father of five children.
Pulford entered service as a 1st Lieutenant in the 5th Michigan
Infantry on June 19, 1861. He was made Captain on May 15, 1862.
Wounded in action 45 days later, Pulford was taken prisoner at Malvern
Hill, Virginia and was confined in Libby Prison. Pulford was exchanged
on July 18, 1862 and became a major on December 14, 1862. He was
again wounded in action at Chancellorsville, Virginia on May 3,
1863. Pulford was promoted to Lt. Colonel in May of 1863. He was
twice wounded at Gettysburg and again at the Wilderness on May 5,
1864. He was promoted to Colonel on June 10, 1864 and again wounded
on the Boynton Plank Road in Virginia. On March 13, 1865, he was
brevetted Brigadier General by Presidential appointment for gallantry
in action.
After the war, he was made 1st Lieutenant in the 19th U. S. Infantry
on February 23, 1866 and transferred to the 37th U. S. Infantry
on September 21, 1869. Pulford retired as Colonel of the U. S. Army
on December 15, 1870. General Pulford never fully recovered from
the head wounds he had received during his service. He died at home
in Detroit on July 11, 1896.
Born: July 4, 1837
Died: July 11, 1896
Buried: Section 3, Lot 144
