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Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient
Lieutenant Jacob Wilson Parrott
Born: July 17, 1843
Died: Dec. 22, 1908
Kenton
Ohio, USA
During the Civil War, Jacob was a member of Company K, 33d Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Jacob, along with 22 other men (including 2 civilians) who, by direction of General Mitchell penetrated nearly 200 miles south into enemy territory and captured a railroad train, "The General" at Big Shanty, Georgia, in an attempt to destroy the bridges and tracks between Chattanooga and Atlanta. Led by James J. Andrews, the men were able to take possession of the train, and a long chase followed. Sometimes this great adventure is referred to as "The Great Locomotive Chase". Many of the men, including Jacob, were eventually captured by the Confederate Soldiers. While being held captive, Jacob endured being whipped over 100 times, on his bare back, by the confederates as they tried to gain information from him. For his part in the undercover mission, Jacob was awarded the very first Medal Of Honor. Other "Andrew's Raiders ", as they became to be known by, were also awarded the Medal Of Honor, as they so well deserved. There are several books about this exciting adventure, and Disney also made a movie entitled "The Great Locomotive Chase". (bio by T. Parrott Dreffer, Great-great-granddaughter of Jacob Parrott) Cause of death: angina pectoris.
CITATION:
PARROTT, JACOB (1st to receive Medal of Honor)
Rank and organization: Private, Company K, 33d Ohio Infantry. Place and date: Georgia, April 1862. Entered service at: Hardin County, Ohio. Birth: 17 July 1843, Fairfield County, Ohio. Date of issue: 25 March 1863. Citation: One of the 19 of 22 men (including 2 civilians) who, by direction of Gen. Mitchell (or Buell) penetrated nearly 200 miles south into enemy territory and captured a railroad train at Big Shanty, Ga., in an attempt to destroy the bridges and tracks between Chattanooga and Atlanta.
Burial:
Grove Cemetery
Kenton
Hardin County
Ohio, USA
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