John Joseph “Black Jack” Pershing was born on September 13, 1860, in Laclede, Missouri. One of six children, Pershing grew up during the Civil War, during which his father was a civilian merchant for the 18th Missouri Volunteer Infantry. After completing high school in 1878, Pershing taught local African American children for a time before attending the State Normal School. He graduated in 1880 with a degree in scientific didactics. Pershing entered West Point in 1882. He later admitted that he mostly wanted to attend because he would receive a better education than most other places available to him. Yet Pershing was soon recognized for his leadership abilities, ultimately reaching the rank of First Captain, the highest cadet rank. After graduating in 1886, Pershing was assigned to the 6th Cavalry, with which he served in New Mexico, California, Arizona, and North Dakota. He became an expert marksman and in 1891 was rated second in pistol out of all US Army soldiers.