Josiah Pender facts for kids

Josiah Solomon Pender (March 11, 1819 – October 25, 1864) was an American soldier who served in the Confederate Army. He is most famous for leading the capture of Fort Macon in April 1861, at the start of the American Civil War.

Early Life and Education

Josiah Pender was born on March 11, 1819, in the Tarboro area of Edgecombe County, North Carolina. His parents were Solomon and Mary Batts Pender.

In 1835, Pender followed his father's path and entered the U.S. Military Academy. However, he left the academy the next year because he found military life wasn't for him. After leaving, he traveled to Europe. He studied painting in famous cities like Paris and Rome. He returned to the United States in 1840.

In 1856, Pender bought the Atlantic Hotel. This hotel was located on the waterfront in Beaufort, South Carolina.

Pender was married two times. With his first wife, Maria, he had nine children. Maria passed away in 1861. He married his second wife, Laura Pender, on September 23, 1862. Laura was his cousin, and they had one son together.

Role in the Civil War

When the American Civil War began in 1861, Josiah Pender joined the Confederate Army. This army was made up of soldiers from the Southern states that had separated from the United States. Pender helped create a group called the Beaufort Harbor Guards. Their main goal was to take control of Fort Macon before Union troops could capture it. The Union Army was the army of the Northern states.

Capture of Fort Macon

Fort Macon was an important fort located near Beaufort, North Carolina. On April 14, 1861, Josiah Pender successfully led his troops to recapture Fort Macon. They took the fort from Union soldiers. This was an important early victory for the Confederates in North Carolina.

Leaving the Army

Later in 1861, Pender's first wife became very ill. He asked for permission to leave the army and go home to care for her. However, his request was not approved. Despite this, Pender decided to go home anyway to be with his family.

In November 1861, Pender was found to be absent without permission. Because of this, he was officially removed from the army.

After the War Service

After leaving the army, Pender became involved in a special operation. He helped smuggle goods, which means secretly bringing them, from Bermuda. These goods were then used to support the Confederate forces. He also sailed to England to get more supplies. While in England, he caught a serious illness called yellow fever.

Death

Josiah Pender died from yellow fever in Beaufort on October 25, 1864.