James K. Marshall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James K. Marshall
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| Nickname(s) | Jimmy |
| Born | April 17, 1839 Fauquier County, Virginia |
| Died | July 3, 1863 (aged 24) Gettysburg, Pennsylvania |
| Place of burial |
Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia
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| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
 Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1863 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Commands held |  52nd North CarolinaPettigrew's Brigade (Temporary) |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Relations | John Marshall (grandfather) Edward Carrington Marshall (father) |
James Keith "Jimmy" Marshall (born April 17, 1839 – died July 3, 1863) was an officer in the Confederate Army. He fought during the American Civil War. Marshall led a group of soldiers called a brigade during a famous attack known as Pickett's Charge. This happened at the Battle of Gettysburg. He was killed during this attack.
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Early Life and Family
James K. Marshall was born in Fauquier County, Virginia. His parents were Edward Carrington Marshall and Rebecca Courtenay Peyton Marshall. His grandfather was John Marshall, a very important judge. He was the Chief Justice of the United States.
Jimmy Marshall was also related to other famous people. These included Thomas Jefferson, George E. Pickett, and Robert E. Lee. His great-grandfather went to school with George Washington. He was a commander in the American Revolutionary War.
Marshall finished school at the Virginia Military Institute in 1860. He was chosen to give the final speech at his graduation. He was also a first lieutenant in a cadet company. After school, Marshall became a teacher. He was teaching in Edenton, North Carolina, when Virginia left the Union.
Joining the Civil War
In the spring of 1861, Marshall became a captain in the Confederate Army. He joined Company M of the 1st North Carolina "Bethel Regiment." His commander was Colonel Daniel Harvey Hill. Marshall did not fight in the Battle of Big Bethel.
On April 23, 1862, Marshall was promoted to colonel. He took command of the 52nd North Carolina regiment. This happened even though he had no experience in battle. He was first chosen to be a lieutenant colonel. But the person chosen for colonel, Zebulon Vance, said no. So, Marshall became the colonel instead.
Marshall helped defend Norfolk, Virginia, from Union ships. He also defended the Blackwater River. In May 1863, Marshall's brigade joined the main Confederate army. This army was called the Army of Northern Virginia. They were getting ready for the Gettysburg Campaign.
The Battle of Gettysburg
Marshall's brigade fought hard during the Battle of Gettysburg. On July 1, 1863, his soldiers met Union troops. They pushed back two companies from the 80th New York Infantry. Then, part of his regiment fought cavalry soldiers. These were from the 8th New York Cavalry.
Marshall's men kept moving forward. They faced more cavalry units. They then attacked the 121st Pennsylvania regiment. Marshall's soldiers forced them to retreat. Next, they attacked the 80th New York and made them fall back.
Soon after, a general named Henry Heth was wounded. So, J. Johnston Pettigrew took over his command. Because many officers in Pettigrew's Brigade were hurt, Marshall was put in charge of the brigade. His brigade had 1,100 casualties out of 2,584 soldiers. However, Marshall's own 52nd North Carolina regiment had only 26 casualties.
The brigade did not fight on July 2, 1863. Marshall had the brigade's band play music. This helped to keep the soldiers' spirits up.
Pickett's Charge
On July 3, 1863, Marshall led his brigade in Pickett's Charge. His soldiers marched across open fields. They came under heavy fire as they reached a fence line. While crossing the Emmitsburg Road, Marshall spoke to Captain Stockton Heth. He said, "We do not know which of us will be next to fall."
Just a few minutes later, Marshall was near a stone wall. This was on Cemetery Ridge. He was encouraging his men to keep going. At that moment, he was hit by two bullets and died.
After the Battle
Marshall's family did not know for sure that he had died. They heard different stories. They hoped he might be a prisoner of war. Several months later, they received a letter. It was from his cousin, F. Lewis Marshall. The letter told them that James K. Marshall had died at Gettysburg.
Marshall was first buried on the battlefield at Gettysburg. It is believed that his body was later moved. He was likely re-buried at Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia.
