Born in Missouri, John Quincy Burbridge was nineteen years old when he traveled west to get rich in the California gold fields. Burbridge returned to Missouri in 1852, attended St. Louis University, and started a bank in Louisiana, Pike County, Missouri. In 1861, Burbridge joined the Missouri State Guard and was appointed colonel of the 1st Infantry Regiment in the 3d Division. Burbridge led his regiment during the Battle of Carthage and the Battle of Wilson’s Creek where he was severely wounded in the head. In January 1862, Burbridge organized the 2d Missouri Infantry (CSA) and led this regiment during the Battle of Pea Ridge. On June 29, 1862, Burbridge resigned and returned to Missouri to raise a cavalry regiment. In September 1862, Burbridge was recognize as the colonel of the 4th Missouri Cavalry (CSA). On August 23, 1863, Burbridge was captured during skirmishing near Brownsville, Arkansas. Burbridge was later exchanged in March 1864. Burbridge returned to command the 4th Missouri Cavalry (CSA) after his exchange. He commanded this regiment during Price's 1864 invasion of Missouri. It was part of Marmaduke's Brigade in Marmaduke's Division.
At the end of the war, Burbridge surrendered and was paroled in Shreveport, Louisiana, in June 1865. After the war Burbridge moved to St, Louis where he entered the mer-chant business. Then he moved across the river to Alton, Illinois, and operated flour mills. In 1882, Burbridge moved to Jacksonville, Florida, and accepted a position as the president of a railroad. In 1887, Burbridge was elected mayor of Jacksonvile.
McGhee, Guide to Missouri Confederate Units, 1861-1865, 68-72, 186-189.
Allardice, Confederate Colonels: A Biographical Register, 82.
Cousins by the Dozens, “Col John Quincy Burbridge.” Find A Grave, October 22, 2009. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/43422786/john-quincy-burbridge.
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