Born April 10, 1833 at Nashville, TN., son of Rev. John and Lucinda Cartwright Rains. His father, a Methodist minister, owned a modest saddlery shop in which James worked in his youth. Largely self-taught, a benevolent citizen who recognized his talents loaned Jim $400 to attend Yale University, from which he graduated second in his class in 1854. Upon his return, he obtained his law license and served as headmaster at the Millwood Institute in newly formed Cheatham County. In 1858, he became the associate editor of the Nashville Republican Banner, serving under another future Confederate General, Felix Zollicoffer. Though only 25 years of age, in 1858, he was elected the Nashville city attorney. That same year, Rains married Ida Yeatman, with their only child, Laura, being born the following year. Politically a Whig and an opponent of secession, in 1860 he was elected District Attorney General for Davidson, Williamson and Sumner Counties. Enlisting as a private with the Hermitage Guards, a unit organized by fellow attorney and later Brigadier General George E. Maney, he was elected 1st Lieutenant of the organization on April 23, 1861. Elected Captain upon the resignation of Maney following his election as Colonel of the 1st Tennessee Infantry. While at Camp Cheatham, he was elected Colonel of the 11th Tennessee May 31, 1861. Serving with distinction in the Kentucky Campaign, he was promoted to Brigadier General November 4, 1862. Shot through the heart and killed instantly while leading his men against a Federal battery in the Battle of Murfreesboro (Stones River) December 31, 1862. Originally buried at the Nashville City Cemetery, his body was removed in 1888 to Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
Promoted to Brigadier General at age 27 on August 15, 1864 , this wartime
photo of Gordon reflects his youthful looks, lengthy hair and possibly the
distress of the Confederacy in the sleeves of his ill tailored uniform.
Born October 5, 1836 at Brick Church, Giles County, TN., Gordon had lived
in his youth in both Texas and Mississippi before returning to Tennessee
to attend the Western Military Institute in Nashville. Graduating in 1859
with a degree in Civil Engineering, he was employed as a surveyor for the
planned westward expansion of the Nashville and Northwestern Railroad and
living near Waverly, TN. at the outbreak of the war. Assigned as
drill-master upon joining the regiment at Camp Cheatham, he was promoted
to Captain of Company I August 1, 1861. Subsequently promoted to
Lieutenant Colonel at the regimental reorganization May 1, 1862, and later
to Colonel November 7, 1862. Wounded during the battles of Murfreesboro,
Atlanta and Franklin. Leading his men in a charge that successfully broke
the Union line at Franklin, Gordon was captured and later wounded near the
Carter cotton gin and forwarded to Fort Warren, Massachusetts, where he
was held prisoner until July, 1865.
General George Washington Gordon
General Gordon was elected Superintendent of Memphis Public Schools in 1892, then elected to Congress in 1906. Long active in Confederate Veteran affairs, he served many years as Commander of the Tennessee Division of the United Confederate Veterans and later as Commander-in-Chief of the entire United Confederate Veterans organization. President of the Confederate Historical Association and known for his oratory, General Gordon gave the dedication address for many Confederate monuments, including memorials to Sam Davis, Patrick Cleburne, Nathan Bedford Forrest, and the Confederate Soldier at Franklin, TN.
General Gordon was elected Superintendent of Memphis Public Schools in 1892, then elected to Congress in 1906. Long active in Confederate Veteran affairs, he served many years as Commander of the Tennessee Division of the United Confederate Veterans and later as Commander-in-Chief of the entire United Confederate Veterans organization. President of the Confederate Historical Association and known for his oratory, General Gordon gave the dedication address for many Confederate monuments, including memorials to Sam Davis, Patrick Cleburne, Nathan Bedford Forrest, and the Confederate Soldier at Franklin, TN.
Private Charles Halliburton, Co. C
Born in Dickson County, TN. in 1840. Uncle of Pvt.
Turner Halliburton. Enlisted May 14, 1861 at Nashville.
Wounded in the left leg by a cannonball at the Battle of Franklin,
requiring amputation. Captured at Franklin after the retreat of
the Confederate Army of Tennessee on December 17, 1864. After
his recovery, he was held in military prison at Louisville, KY., then
Camp Chase, OH. and lastly at Point Lookout, MD. where he was released
June 5, 1865. According to his grandson, Charles would never allow
his family to wear blue clothing. Died April 21, 1897 at Memphis,
TN.
Private Turner Howard Halliburton, Co. C
Born October 8, 1841 in Dickson County, TN.
Enlisted September 4, 1861 at Knoxville, TN. Captured at the
Battle of Franklin, November 30, 1864. Held in prison at
Louisville, Camp Douglass and later Point Lookout. Released June
27, 1865. A member of the Forbes Bivouac in Clarksville, TN., he
is seen kneeling in their group photograph at the Confederate Monument,
holding an umbrella. Quoted as saying he "would never be wet
again", he carried the umbrella for the rest of his life.
Died January 28, 1898. Buried Greenwood Cemetery, Clarksville, TN.
Private Elisha T. Ridings, Co. A (left)
1st Lieutenant George D. Ridings, Co. A
These two brothers were both wounded seriously twice
during the war, and spent time in Union prisons afterwards. Elisha
suffered a severe facial wound at the Battle of Murfreesboro. He
was exchanged after his prison stay, rejoined the Regiment, and was
wounded in the right thigh during the Battle of Franklin. George
was also wounded at Murfreesboro, taking a hit to his right leg.
Captured while hospitalized and sent to prison, he was later exchanged,
and was wounded again during the Battle of Jonesboro September 1, 1864.
A practicing physician after the war, he died September 5, 1884. [Photo
courtesy Bart Ridings]
Confederate veterans remembered their war days through membership in various organizations following the conflict. Men who served in the 11th who were members of the Forbes Bivouac of Clarksville, TN. included Dr. John D. Slayden, J. M. Dickson, T. L. Fain, Turner Hallibuton, Jesse L. Owen, Joseph S. Rosson, Jesse M. Ford, Dr. John G. Rogers, James L. von Schmittou, and Captain William H. McCauley.
4th Sergeant W. Jerome D. Spence, Co. H
Jerome Spence enlisted with the Hickman Guards April 27,
1861 at Vernon, TN., and kept a detailed diary during his service with
the 11th Tennessee Infantry. Discharged November 28, 1861 for
disability, the following spring he helped Alonzo T. Napier recruit
a cavalry unit, later part of the 10th Tennessee Cavalry, which would include several
former members of the 11th. Served in the Tennessee
Legislature (1891) and later authored A History of Hickman
County. [Photo courtesy Gary Waddey]
Private Jesse J. Fuqua, Co. A
Born in Hickman County, TN. in 1830, Private Fuqua would
later reside near McEwen, TN. in Humphreys County. Enlisted
September 12, 1861 at Knoxville and served as a teamster.
Discharged by the conscript act at Tazewell, TN. August 14, 1862.
Later joined the 10th Tennessee Cavalry where he was detailed to make
wagons and coffins. Photo taken c1900. Died July 31,
1909.
(photo taken around 1900)
Private Sanford G. M. Jackson, Co. F
Born September 22, 1836 in Robertson County, TN.
Married with one son prior to the war. Enlisted November 4, 1861
at Lenoir Station, TN. Died August 30, 1863 of chronic diarrhea at
Oliver Hospital, Dalton, Georgia. The body was returned to
Robertson County and buried in the Jackson Cemetery near Adams, TN.
His widow would never remarry.
Major Philip Van Horn Weems
Owner of the Bon Aqua Springs Resort prior to the
war, Weems was elected Captain of Company H on June 6, 1861.
Seriously wounded during the Battle of Missionary Ridge, he was promoted
to Major May 7, 1864. A popular officer with the soldiers, he was
mortally wounded in the Battle of Atlanta July 22, 1864 and died two
days later. Originally buried in the Confederate Cemetery at
Griffin, Georgia, his remains were reinterred into the Weems family
cemetery at Bon Aqua, Hickman County, TN. [ Photo courtesy
David and Frances Hall]
Sergeant John D. Slayden, Co. C
Born June 16, 1841 in Dickson County, TN. Occupied
as a farmer and civil engineer, his medical studies were interrupted by
the war. Wounded at the Battle of New Hope Church and captured at
the Battle of Franklin. Present at the surrender of the Army of
Tennessee. After the war he resumed his medical education and
practiced for many years in Clarksville, TN., where he was a
member of the Forbes Bivouac. Died March 22, 1922. Buried
Greenwood Cemetery, Clarksville, TN.
Dr. John Hill Callendar, Surgeon
Appointed Regimental Surgeon September 11, 1861. Dr.
Callendar received his medical degree from the University of
Pennsylvania and was a founder and faculty member of the Shelby Medical
College in Nashville. During the election campaign of 1860, he
served as the private secretary to presidential candidate John
Bell. After the war Dr. Callendar served on the medical
faculties of both The University of Nashville and later Vanderbilt
University. Medical Superintendent of the Tennessee Hospital for
the Insane, he served as an expert witness in the trial of Charles J.
Guitteau, assassin of President James A. Garfield.
4th Corporal John Henry Clay Tarkington, Co. H
Born November 15, 1842 in Hickman Co., TN. Brother of
Private George Washington Tarkington, also of the 11th. Enlisted May 14,
1861 at Nashville. Wounded in the right arm during the Battle of
Murfreesboro December 31, 1862. Promoted to 4th Corporal February 26,
1863. Wounded through the middle third of both thighs in the Battle of
Missionary Ridge November 25, 1863. Wounds were considered mortal.
Transferred due to disability to Sappers and Miners. Surrendered at Broad
River, North Carolina while detailed as a teamster, pontoon. Paroled May
5 1865 at Catawba Bridge, South Carolina. Eyes gray, hair light,
complexion fair, height 6'. Married Mary Jane Gardner December 30, 1865,
with 10 children born to the union. Occupied as a farmer. Served as a
Hickman County Magistrate in 1899 and for several years as a member of
the County Court. The couple moved to Davidson County in 1907, and
shortly thereafter purchased a farm on the Hydes Ferry Pike. Member
Cheatham Bivouac. Died from an acute attack of asthma December 15, 1912
at Nashville. Buried Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Nashville, TN. [Photo courtesy
Sarah Peery Armistead & Ova Lee Sawyer]
1st Lieutenant Samuel M. Wilson, Co. I
Born in 1842, S.M. Wilson was the oldest of the three
Wilson brothers who served in the 11th. Enlisting May 20, 1861 at
Nashville, he was promoted from 3rd Sergeant to 1st Lieutenant just under
a year later. Wounded slightly in the head during the Battle of
Murfreesboro December 31, 1862. After the war he lived in the newly
formed Houston County and was instrumental in its early development,
serving in 1881 on the building committee for the first permanent
courthouse and as chairman of the county court and later as a school
director. A long time merchant, he operated a store in the Tennessee
Ridge community. [Engraving - Lindsley's Military Annals of Tennessee -
Confederate]
Born in Humphreys County Tennessee March 7, 1844. Occupation farmer. Enlisted December 9, 1862 at Readyville, Tennessee. Age 19 on roll dated May 6, 1863 at Shelbyville. Wounded in the leg at Missionary Ridge, Tennessee November 25, 1863. After the Battle of Franklin, Tennessee November 30, 1864 allowed to return home to Humphreys County to collect shoes. Was cut off from the army after the Battle of Nashville December 15-16, 1864 and unable to return. Surrendered at Johnsonville, Tennessee May 22, 1865. Took oath May 24, 1865. Complexion fair, hair dark, eyes hazel, height 5' 9". Died in September 1938. Pension Application No. S13108.1
This is believed to be a photo of James M. Skelton taken
after the war. It looks like it was taken at his home place, Omega
Tennessee, around 1920.
(submitted by Jim Skelton, descendant)
Confederate entrenchments on Shy's Hill. The 11th/29th Tennessee Infantry defended the southwestern side of Shy's Hill. When McArthur's Federals routed the Confederates from the northern crest, Doolittle led his Yankee brigade to assault the positions to the southwest. Being almost surrounded, the Confederate defenders put up little resistance. Many of the 11th Tennessee were killed, wounded, and captured near this position while
attempting to escape to the Franklin Pike.
Federal forces. Govan and 600 of his men were captured. The 11th Tennessee participated in a fierce counterattack led by Brigadier General George W. Gordon in which the Federals were beaten back and the Confederate line restored. Colonel James A. Long, commanding the 11th Tennessee, and Captain James H. Darden of Company F, were both mortally wounded in this assault.
At this location in the Battle of Franklin, TN, Nov. 30, 1864 elements of the 11th/29th Tennessee Infantry and other regiments of Gordon's Brigade broke the Federal line at this point. Vicious hand-to-hand fighting ensued. A counterattack led by Colonel Emerson Opdyke of the 125th Ohio Volunteers stopped the Confederate breakthrough. The 11th/29th Tennessee lost heavily in this area.
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Gravestone of Dr. William B. Maney, Regimental Surgeon
One of the many members of the 11th who are buried at Mt.
Olivet Cemetery in Nashville, Dr. William B. Maney dedicated his medical
talents to the soldiers both during and after the war, providing much
needed medical care to aging Confederate veterans throughout his many
years of practice. Born December 12, 1834 in Williamson County, he was a
graduate of the Medical Department of the University of Nashville in
1857. Originally enlisting in Company A, 1st Tennessee Infantry, within
a few months he transferred to the 11th as Assistant Surgeon.
Commissioned Surgeon February 15, 1862 with the rank of Major. His
Surgeon's log provides a rare detailed glimpse into the wounds and deaths
of many of our soldiers. Surrendered with the Army of Tennessee at
Greensboro, NC. April 26, 1865. Member Cheatham Bivouac, holding the
office of Surgeon. Practiced medicine in Nashville at the corner of 7th
Avenue and Church Street, living in an apartment above his office. Died
February 22, 1920. His wife, Bettie Stones Maney, was a founding member
of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.
Flag of the 11th Captured at the Battle of Franklin Returned to
Tennessee
In a ceremony preceding the unveiling of the Ulysses S.
Grant Memorial in Washington, April 27, 1922, the flag of the 11th
Tennessee Infantry was returned to the citizens of its native state. The
flag had been captured during the desperate fighting near the Carter House
at the Battle of Franklin, November 30, 1864. The presentation took place
in the office of Illinois Senator William B. McKinley, the flag having
been in the possession of General E. B. Hamilton of Quincy, Illinois,
although his connection to the flag is uncertain. Accepting the colors on
behalf of the State of Tennessee are (front row) Congressmen Garrett,
Padgitt, Byrns and Scott, along with Senator McKellar. Ironically, the
parents of Congressman Jo W. Byrns had named him in honor of a Robertson
County soldier from the 11th, Private Joseph William Green Jackson, Co.
F, who had lost his life during the Battle of Atlanta, July 22, 1864.
[Photo - Memphis Commercial Appeal - May 14, 1922]
Men from the three companies (C, E, K) of Dickson County named their camp in honor of their fallen Colonel James E. Rains. The letters A.C. S.T.D. on the banner stand for Association of Confederate Soldiers Tennessee Division. Listed among the names of the 1891 roster are the following who served in the 11th: William T. (Pig) Adams, Jesse W. Adcock, Calvin F. Austin, James J. Carroll, Byril F. Clifton, William D. Eleazer, Moses Garton, William M. Hogin, William J. Mallory, William J. Mathis (served as President), Daniel Rice, William T. Richardson, James M. Skelton, Franklin F. Tidwell, William T. Weakley.