John Vale

John Vale (August 9, 1835 – February 4, 1909) was a member of the Union Army during the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor in 1897 for his bravery on February 15, 1863, at Nolensville, Tennessee.

Biography

Early life Born in London, England, Vale grew up in the city and was employed as a store clerk at the age of 13. In 1851 he immigrated to Le Claire, Iowa, and found employment in a sawmill. He moved to farmland he purchased near Mapleton, Minnesota, in 1856. He was there when the Civil War started.

Military service Vale enlisted in the 2nd Minnesota Volunteer Infantry at Rochester, Minnesota, on July 15, 1861.

Vale married May Middleton in 1881, and she died two years later. In 1888 he married Margaret J. Peters, and they raised two children. He was a member of various lodges and active in the Grand Army of the Republic. After he retired in 1899 he remained in Davenport. He died February 4, 1909, and was buried in Oakdale Cemetery.

Medal of Honor citation Rank and Organization: Private, Company H, 2d Minnesota Infantry. Place and Date: At Nolensville, Tenn., 15 February 1863. Entered Service At: Rochester, Minn. Birth: England. Date Of Issue: 11 September 1897.

Was one of a detachment of 16 men who heroically defended a wagon train against the attack of 125 cavalry, repulsed the attack and saved the train.