Justin Hodge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Colonel
Justin Hodge
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| Born | April 21, 1815 Roxbury, MA |
| Died | October 22, 1900 (aged 85) Barkhamsted, CT |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Connecticut State Militia Union Army |
| Rank |  Major General (Militia) Colonel, USV |
| Unit | 1st Connecticut Infantry Regiment |
| Commands held | Adjutant General of Connecticut 1st Corps d'Afrique Engineers 95th U.S. Colored Infantry |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War American Civil War |
| Spouse(s) | Lucia Hewitt |
Justin Hodge was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts on April 21, 1815. He was an important politician in Connecticut for many years. He also served as a soldier in two major wars: the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War. For a short time in 1855, he was the top military officer for Connecticut, called the Adjutant General.
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Justin Hodge's Military Service
Serving in the Mexican-American War
During the Mexican–American War, Justin Hodge was a captain. He volunteered to serve and fought alongside General Winfield Scott. They were part of the forces at Vera Cruz.
Connecticut's Adjutant General
In August 1855, Governor William T. Minor chose Hodge to be the Adjutant General of the Connecticut State Militia. This job meant he was in charge of the state's military forces. The governor then ordered Hodge to break up some military groups. These groups were mainly made up of Irish immigrants.
Hodge did not agree with this order and refused to carry it out. Because he refused, the governor removed him from his position. Joseph D. Williams took over as Adjutant General and followed the order. Justin Hodge served as Adjutant General for the shortest time in Connecticut's military history.
Fighting in the Civil War
On April 23, 1861, Justin Hodge joined the 1st Connecticut Infantry Regiment. He was made a First Lieutenant in Company S. During most of the American Civil War, he served under General Nathaniel P. Banks. They were part of the Army of the Gulf.
In 1863, Hodge became a Colonel. He commanded the 1st Corps d'Afrique Engineer Regiment. This unit later became the 95th U.S. Colored Infantry. Colonel Hodge led his troops during the Siege of Port Hudson. He finished his service with the volunteers on October 13, 1866.
Justin Hodge's Personal Life
Justin Hodge married Lucia Hewitt. She was the daughter of Joshua Hewitt and Polly Williams from Winsted, Connecticut. His son, Kosky Hodge, also served in the Civil War as a teenager, fighting alongside his father. Justin Hodge passed away at his home on October 22, 1900.
