John McEnery, born in 1833 in Petersburg, Virginia, served as a Confederate officer during the American Civil War. He later ran for Governor of Louisiana in 1872, supported by a coalition of Democrats and anti-Grant Republicans, amidst a highly contested election. Despite being considered the winner by Democrats, he was not certified, leading to significant political conflict. In 1874, McEnery led an armed militia that occupied the statehouse, resulting in the Battle of Liberty Place, which ended with federal intervention. His brother, Samuel McEnery, was elected Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana in 1880 and later became Governor in 1884.

John McEnery's political identity is marked by his unwavering commitment to white supremacy, which he pursued through violent means and contentious electoral battles. His involvement in the Colfax Massacre and the Battle of Liberty Place reveal a willingness to use paramilitary tactics to maintain racial hierarchies. Despite being denied the governorship through federal intervention, McEnery's actions underscore a highly localized and disruption-oriented approach to politics, driven by an unyielding ideological stance.