Daniel Smith Donelson

Daniel Smith Donelson (June 23, 1801 – April 17, 1863) was a Tennessee planter, politician, and soldier. The historic Fort Donelson was named for him when he was serving as a Brigadier in the Tennessee militia, early in the American Civil War. He was commissioned as a regular Confederate general, serving notably at the battles of Perryville and Stones River.

Quick facts: Daniel Smith Donelson, Born, Died, Place of b... ▼

Daniel Smith Donelson
Portrait of Donelson by George Dury, circa 1850
Born	(1801-06-23)June 23, 1801 Sumner County, Tennessee
Died	April 17, 1863(1863-04-17) (aged 61) Knoxville, Tennessee
Place of burial	Presbyterian Cemetery Hendersonville, Tennessee
Allegiance	United States of America  Tennessee State Militia  Confederate States of America
Service/branch	United States Army  Confederate States Army
Years of service	1825–1826 (USA) 1827–1834 (Tennessee) 1861–1863 (CSA)
Rank	Second Lieutenant (USA) Brigadier General (Tennessee) Major General (CSA)
Battles/wars	American Civil War Battle of Perryville Battle of Stones River
Relations	Andrew Jackson (Uncle) Rachel Jackson (Aunt) John Donelson Martin (cousin)

After their father died when Donelson and his two brothers were young, the three boys were taken in and adopted by their paternal aunt Rachel Donelson Jackson and her husband Andrew Jackson, a future United States president.