Edwin Augustus Rigg facts for kids

Edwin Augustus Rigg (1822–1882) was an important military officer. He was a "49er", meaning he moved to California during the Gold Rush. He also fought in the American Civil War and the Apache Wars.

Early Life and Military Start

Edwin Augustus Rigg was born on January 15, 1822, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He moved to California in 1849, during the exciting time of the Gold Rush.

By 1852, he worked at the custom house in San Francisco. He even tried to become the City Tax Collector that same year.

Rigg joined a special military group called the Marion Rifles. This was a well-known volunteer company within the California Militia. He became an officer in this group on November 7, 1855, starting as a First Lieutenant. He was promoted to Captain on April 19, 1856, and was re-elected to this role several times.

Serving in the American Civil War

When the American Civil War began, Captain Rigg and other militia leaders offered their help. On August 5, 1861, they volunteered their companies to the U.S. Government. Their goal was to protect the important Overland Mail Route.

Rigg joined the 1st California Infantry on August 15, 1861. Many men from his Marion Rifles company joined with him. He became Captain of Company B. This company was made up of men from San Francisco and others recruited near Los Angeles.

He was promoted to Major in the 1st California Infantry on September 5, 1861. He was sent to Fort Yuma to take command. While there, he helped gather food and supplies for the California Column. This was a group of soldiers moving between Fort Yuma and the Pima villages.

On April 28, 1862, Rigg was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. This happened during the California Column's march. After the Californians took back New Mexico Territory, they defended the areas of Arizona and New Mexico. They also fought against Apache and Navajo raiders.

Rigg married Emma Antoinette Cooper on November 26, 1862, in Mesilla, New Mexico. Their daughter, Sarah Adelia Rigg, was born in December 1863.

While in Arizona, Rigg helped set up Camp Goodwin on the Gila River. He was promoted to Colonel in April 1864. He left the army in September 1864. His regiment later became the 1st California Infantry Battalion (Veteran). He served as Lieutenant Colonel of this new unit from February 1, 1865. He continued to serve until October 13, 1866, as Colonel of the 1st California Infantry.

Life After the War

After the Civil War, Rigg decided to stay in the military. He tried to join the regular U.S. Army. After some effort, he succeeded and became a First Lieutenant in the 38th Infantry Regiment (United States). This was one of the special regiments made up of veterans from the United States Colored Troops. He served at places like Fort Selden, New Mexico, in 1869.

In 1870, many army regiments were combined. Rigg joined the 25th Infantry Regiment (United States) as a First Lieutenant. However, many officers lost their positions during this time. Rigg was one of them, and he was discharged from the army on January 1, 1871.

Later Years and Passing

In 1871, a special law was passed to help Edwin A. Rigg. It recognized his service as a lieutenant colonel. This allowed him to become the Postmaster at Fort Craig from October 30, 1873, to October 23, 1877.

Later, he moved to Arizona. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic in Tombstone, Arizona. In 1881, Rigg became a justice of the peace in Contention City, Arizona. He passed away there on January 27, 1882, due to pneumonia. He was buried in the Contention City Cemetery.