James M. Goggin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Monroe Goggin
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James Monroe Goggin
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| Born | October 23, 1820 Bedford County, Virginia |
| Died | October 10, 1889 (aged 68) Austin, Texas |
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Army of the Republic of Texas Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1842–1848 1861–65 |
James Monroe Goggin (born October 23, 1820 – died October 10, 1889) was an important officer in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. He started as a major and later became an Assistant Adjutant General. This role meant he helped generals with important plans and paperwork.
Goggin commanded a group of soldiers called a brigade at the Battle of Cedar Creek in 1864. He was even appointed as a special brigadier general for a short time. He spent most of the war helping Major General Joseph B. Kershaw.
Early Life and Texas Adventures
James Monroe Goggin was born in Bedford County, Virginia, on October 23, 1820. He later married Elizabeth Nelson Page.
He went to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. This is a famous school for training army officers. However, he left before he finished his studies.
After leaving West Point, Goggin moved to Texas. There, he joined the Army of the Republic of Texas as a first lieutenant. He also started buying land in Waller County, Texas.
In 1848, Goggin moved to California. He worked there to set up mail routes. Later, he moved to Memphis, Tennessee. In Memphis, he became a cotton broker, which means he bought and sold cotton. He did this job until the Civil War began.
Civil War Service
When the Civil War started in 1861, Goggin returned to Virginia. He joined the Confederate States Army on July 1, 1861. He started as a major in the 32nd Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He was put in charge of a battalion, which is a group of soldiers.
Goggin and his regiment served under Major General John B. Magruder. This was during the Peninsula Campaign in 1861 and 1862. In April 1862, Goggin joined the First Corps, Army of Northern Virginia. He worked on the staff of Major General Lafayette McLaws. His job was assistant adjutant general, helping McLaws with his duties.
He stayed in this role for many battles. He served with the First Corps in both the Army of Northern Virginia and the Army of Tennessee. During the Battle of Fort Sanders in 1863, Goggin delivered an important message. He told Lieutenant General James Longstreet that the attack was failing.
In May 1864, Major General Joseph B. Kershaw took over from McLaws. Goggin continued to serve as his assistant adjutant general. His leaders often praised his excellent work in this position.
On October 13, 1864, a big battle happened at Battle of Cedar Creek. This was part of the Valley campaigns of 1864. During this battle, Goggin was given a special job. He temporarily commanded Brigadier General James Conner's brigade. General Conner had been badly hurt earlier that day.
On December 4, Goggin was appointed as a "special" brigadier general. However, this appointment was soon canceled. He then went back to his role helping General Kershaw.
Goggin, Kershaw, and their staff were captured on April 6, 1865. This happened at the Battle of Sailor's Creek during the Appomattox Campaign. They were released on the same day.
Life After the War
After the American Civil War ended in 1865, James Monroe Goggin went back to Texas. He first lived in Waller County, and then moved to Austin.
James Monroe Goggin passed away on October 10, 1889. He was 68 years old. He was buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Austin, Texas.
