The birthplace of John January Mudd varies within the records. Some list Maryland while others state Missouri. He was the son of Stanislaus and Eliza Marshall January Mudd. When John was twelve his father died of Asiatic cholera. Within a few months Eliza moved her family to Pittsfield, Pike County, Illinois.
In 1850 John traveled over land to California returning by sea. The following year he made a second trip. Along the way many of the emigrants within the group ran low on supplies. Without hesitation John generously shared his supplies until they were exhausted.
On November 4, 1852 John married Celestia Rockwell Dunham. By 1854 John had moved to St Louis, Missouri where he became a successful merchant. In 1859 he moved his family and business north to Chicago.
When the Civil War began John Mudd enlisted in the 2nd Illinois Cavalry accepting a commission as Major. After the surrender of Fort Donelson on the Kentucky – Tennessee border Mudd was informed that a man had just left the fort with important papers. Mudd pursued hoping to overtake the man. In doing so he went beyond the Federal lines. Going only a short distance Major Mudd encountered a citizen asking for protection. Mudd granted the man’s request. As Mudd and the man moved forward they crossed paths with two more men asking for protection. While Mudd was engaging them in conversation the first man moved to Mudd’s rear pulled a revolver and fired. The ball struck Mudd in the back near his spine but was not fatal. Major Mudd spurred his horse and fled. While returning to camp Mudd captured a Confederate officer. Learning from his past experience he made sure the officer rode ahead of him.
Once Mudd had returned to the fort he attempted with much difficulty to find a surgeon to treat his wound. After examining the wound it was decided to leave the bullet probably because of its close proximity to Mudd’s spine.
In December of 1862 Mudd was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of the 2nd Illinois Cavalry. Shortly after his promotion he was advanced to the position of Colonel caused by the resignation of Silas Noble
The following year during the Vicksburg Campaign Mudd was assigned the duty of patrolling between Vicksburg and Jackson, Mississippi in order to keep Confederate General Joseph Johnston in check. While scouting the Black River Swamp Mudd was shot twice by Confederate snipers. The first bullet struck below the left eye traveled around his skull and lodged near his left ear. The second bullet struck him on the collar bone and nearly passed out the back of his shoulder. Once treated he was furloughed home where he could rest and heal from his wounds.
After Mudd returned he was acting as Brigadier General commanding a brigade of cavalry during the Bayou Teche Campaign. Mudd’s brigade bore the brunt of the fighting resulting in the health of Mudd becoming impaired to the point that he was ordered back to New Orleans. Shortly later he was ordered to begin refilling the ranks of his regiment. He traveled north where he opened a recruiting office in Springfield, Illinois. After the ranks were full he moved his new recruits south to New Orleans. When he arrived he received orders promoting him to Chief of Staff to General McClernand at Alexandria, Louisiana.
On May 1, 1864 Mudd boarded the steamer City Belle to proceed upriver to Alexandria. Three days later at Dunne’s Bayou on the Red River a band of Confederate guerrillas opened on the City Belle with two hidden artillery pieces. The second shot fired broke the pilot wheel and killed the pilot. Another round hit one of the boilers causing it to explode.
Within minutes the senior officer on board the City Belle was killed. Command then fell to John January Mudd. Mudd ordered the boat to be ran ashore efforts failed. He then attempted to get a life preserver on a man in an attempt to get a rope line tied off on shore. At this time the enemy started to rake the deck with grape and cannister shot. As Colonel Mudd stood on the deck directing orders he was struck in the forehead and killed instantly.
After the action the Confederate guerrillas burned the boat and stripped and robbed the living and dead with the exception of one. Strangely the enemy buried John Mudd in his uniform with his personal effects in his pockets including his commission as Acting Brigadier General. Later Mudd’s grave was discovered as the Union Army retreated out the area. His remains were exhumed and transported to New Orleans and placed in the care of Lieutenant J. S. McHenry of Company A, 2nd Illinois Cavalry. McHenry had the body embalmed and taken to Pittsfield, Illinois for burial in Oakwood Cemetery.