Gideon Pillow

(1806-1878) Born in Williamson County, Tennessee, Gideon Pillow moved at an early age to Maury County where he practiced law. A strong supporter of his friend James K. Polk, he was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1844 that nominated Polk, the first “Dark Horse” candidate.

Polk appointed Pillow a brigadier general in the United States Army when the Mexican-American War began. Acting as Polk’s “eyes and ears” on the battlefield, he commanded a brigade then a division during the war. His over-reaching accounts of his exploits were the fodder for his political enemies that resulted in his court martial. His friend Polk sustained him, however.

An enslaver, Pillow farmed a large estate called Clifton Place on the Mount Pleasant Pike. His progressive agricultural pursuits were written about in the agricultural journals of the day including being the first to grow alfalfa and import Marino sheep.

During the Civil War, he expected a high command but was passed over by former subordinates from the Mexican War. He was made a Confederate general, however, his performance as a commander in that war did not improve from his Mexico days. After the war, bankrupt, Pillow resumed his law practice, partnering with former Governor Isham Harris in Memphis. He died in 1878 during the yellow fever epidemic.

Information provided by Tom Price, Director of The Maury County Archives