Jerome B. Robertson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jerome Bonaparte Robertson
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| Nickname(s) | "Aunt Polly" |
| Born | March 14, 1815 Woodford County, Kentucky |
| Died | January 7, 1890 (aged 74) Waco, Texas |
| Place of burial |
Oakwood Cemetery, Waco, Texas
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| Allegiance |  Republic of Texas Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
Army of the Republic of Texas Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1836–1837 (Texas), 1861–1865 (CSA) |
| Rank | Brigadier General (CSA) |
| Commands held | Texas Brigade |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Jerome Bonaparte Robertson (born March 14, 1815 – died January 7, 1890) was an important figure in Texas history. He was a doctor, a soldier, and a politician. He is best known for serving as a general in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. He was especially recognized for his role in the famous Texas Brigade.
Contents
Jerome Bonaparte Robertson: A Life of Service
Early Life and Texas Adventures
Jerome Bonaparte Robertson was born in Woodford County, Kentucky. His father passed away when Jerome was only four years old. This left his mother with very little money to support their family. When he was eight, Jerome began working for a hatter (someone who makes hats). In 1824, he moved with the hatter to St. Louis.
Jerome later studied medicine at Transylvania University in Kentucky. He became a doctor in 1835. At this time, the Texas Revolution was a big topic. Jerome joined a group of volunteers from Kentucky who wanted to help Texas. They arrived in the Republic of Texas in September 1836. There, he joined the Army of Texas and became a captain.
A Doctor and Public Servant
By 1837, the main fighting in the Texas Revolution had ended. Robertson left the army and went back to Kentucky. He married Mary Elizabeth Cummins there. In December 1837, he returned to Texas with his wife and family. They bought land and settled in Washington-on-the-Brazos.
He started his medical practice and became known for helping to protect settlers from conflicts with Native American groups. He also served in the military to help defend Texas from two invasions by the Mexican army in 1842. Robertson held several local jobs, including coroner, mayor, and postmaster. In 1845, he built a home in Independence.
As Texas was becoming a state of the United States, Robertson entered politics. He was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1847. Then, in 1849, he was elected to the Texas State Senate. Jerome and Mary had three children, though one died when very young. Their son, Felix Huston Robertson, also became a general in the Confederate army later on.
Serving in the Civil War
In January 1861, Robertson was a delegate at the state meeting where Texas decided to leave the United States. He then gathered a group of volunteers for the Confederate army. He was chosen as their captain when they became part of the 5th Texas Infantry Regiment. This regiment was part of a larger group led by John Bell Hood.
In November 1861, Robertson was promoted to lieutenant colonel. On June 1, 1862, he became a colonel and took command of his regiment. He fought in the Peninsula Campaign. He showed great skill during the Seven Days Battles. He led his regiment in a successful charge during the Battle of Gaines' Mill. This charge helped to break through the Union army's lines.
Robertson was well-liked by his soldiers. He cared a lot about their well-being, which earned him the nickname "Aunt Polly." He continued to serve in the Northern Virginia Campaign and the Maryland Campaign. However, the constant fighting made him very tired. During the Battle of South Mountain, he was so exhausted that he had to be carried away from the battlefield. He returned to his regiment after the Battle of Antietam.
Key Battles and Leadership
Robertson's bravery and leadership were noticed. When John Bell Hood was promoted, Robertson took his place. He was promoted to brigadier general on November 1, 1862. His first battle as a brigade commander was the Battle of Fredericksburg.
In the summer of 1863, Robertson led his brigade into Pennsylvania during the Gettysburg campaign. His division arrived too late for the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg. However, they played a big part on the second day. Robertson led his brigade in strong attacks on Little Round Top. These attacks ended with a fierce fight for Devil's Den. His Texas and Arkansas regiments suffered many losses. Despite being outnumbered, they managed to capture their objective. Robertson himself was wounded during this intense fighting. He later called it "one of the hottest contests I have ever witnessed."
Challenges and New Roles
In September, Robertson and the Texas Brigade moved to Tennessee. They reinforced the Army of Tennessee and fought bravely at Chickamauga. However, his actions in a later campaign caused some disagreement with his commanders. General James Longstreet made official complaints about Robertson's leadership and attitude.
Robertson was then replaced as commander of the Texas Brigade. He was transferred to Texas. There, he commanded the state's reserve forces until the war ended.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, Robertson returned to his home in Independence. He started working as a doctor again. This period was sad for him, as his wife passed away in 1868.
He returned to public service in 1874. He was named the superintendent of the Texas Bureau of Immigration for two years. Later, in 1876, he worked for the Houston and Texas Central Railroad. He helped people travel and settle in new areas. In 1878, Robertson married Mrs. Hattie Hendley Hook. A year later, they moved to Waco. There, he continued to support the building of railroads in west Texas.
Robertson was also very involved in Masonic organizations. He held several important positions within them. He helped create the Hood's Texas Brigade Association and served as its president many times.
He was first buried in Independence next to his first wife and mother. In 1894, his son arranged for all three bodies to be moved to Oakwood Cemetery (Waco, Texas).
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