James Green Martin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James G. Martin
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| Nickname(s) | Old One Wing |
| Born | February 14, 1819 Elizabeth City, North Carolina |
| Died | October 4, 1878 (aged 59) Asheville, North Carolina |
| Place of burial |
Riverside Cemetery
Asheville, North Carolina |
| Allegiance |  United States of America Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1840–1861 (USA) 1861–1865 (CSA) |
| Rank |  Brevet Major (USA)Brigadier General (CSA) |
| Battles/wars | Aroostock War Mexican War Utah War American Civil War |
| Other work | Lawyer |
James Green Martin (born February 14, 1819 – died October 4, 1878) was a brigadier general in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. He was known for his bravery and for losing an arm in battle.
Contents
Early Life and Education
James Green Martin was born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. His parents were Dr. William D. Martin and Sophia Dange Martin. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated in 1840, ranking fourteenth in his class. Later, on July 12, 1844, Martin married Mary Ann Murray Read.
Military Adventures Before the Civil War
Martin began his military career as a second lieutenant in the United States Artillery. He served in various places, including the northern coast and the frontier of Maine during the Aroostook War.
He also fought in the Mexican War. During this war, he took part in several important battles. These included Monterey, Vera Cruz, and Cerro Gordo. At the Churubusco, he was badly wounded. His right arm was shattered by grapeshot, a type of cannon ammunition. After this injury, Martin became known by the nickname "Old One Wing." For his brave actions in battle, he was given the honorary rank of major.
After the Mexican War, Martin worked in staff roles. He was an assistant quartermaster, helping to supply the army. He was stationed at places like Fortress Monroe and Fort Snelling. His first wife, Mary Ann, passed away during this time. Later, in 1858, he married Hetty King. Before the Civil War began, he also served in the Utah War.
The Civil War Years
When the American Civil War started, James Martin resigned from the U.S. Army in June 1861. He then offered his skills to his home state, North Carolina. He was made a captain in the cavalry. Martin later became the adjutant general of North Carolina. He suggested using special ships, called blockade-runners, to bring supplies to the Confederacy from Europe.
In September 1861, Martin was put in charge of North Carolina's state forces. He was given the rank of major general in the militia. He was very good at his job, managing to recruit 12,000 more men than the state needed.
After completing this important work, Martin wanted to fight on the battlefield. In May 1862, he was promoted to brigadier general. By August 1862, he was given command of a military district in North Carolina. In late 1863, he formed his own brigade of troops.
During the Overland Campaign in 1864, Martin's brigade was sent to Petersburg. His men fought bravely and earned praise for driving the enemy back. After this success, his soldiers cheered for him, shouting, "Three cheers for Old One Wing!" His brigade then joined Robert Hoke's division. They helped Robert E. Lee at the Battle of Cold Harbor, where they successfully defended against Union attacks.
Later, Martin's brigade was sent to the Siege of Petersburg. However, the stress and harsh conditions of the siege affected his health. He was then transferred to command a district in Western North Carolina. After he left the main army, General Lee said that North Carolina owed General Martin a great debt. Martin surrendered the last organized Confederate force in North Carolina on May 6, 1865, in Waynesville, North Carolina.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, James Martin had lost all his money. He decided to study law and became a lawyer in Asheville, North Carolina. He practiced law for the rest of his life. James Green Martin passed away on October 4, 1878. He is buried in Asheville's Riverside Cemetery.
