James Aiken

(1832 - 1908)
Home State: Alabama
Command Billet: Regimental Major
Branch of Service: Infantry
Unit: 13th Alabama Infantry

Before the Antietam Campaign:
He had moved from South Carolina to Randolph County, Alabama in 1854. He raised a company of troops there for Confederate service, and was elected Captain, Company D, in the 13th Alabama on 19 July 1861. He was promoted to Major of the regiment on 11 June 1862.

In the Antietam Campaign:
It is not clear where Major Aiken was on 17 September. The official records show that Captain Reaves, Company D, took command of the 13th Alabama as the next senior man after Lt Colonell Betts was wounded, suggesting Aiken was not with the Regiment.

The remainder of the War:
He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel 14 January 1863, on LCol Betts' resignation, and Colonel on 24 May 1864. He was wounded in action at Chancellorsville (May 1863) and Bristoe Station (October 1863) in the course of his service. He was the final commander of the 13th, being Colonel at the surrender with the rest of the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Courthouse in April 1865 (he may have been captured at High Bridge, VA, on 6 or 7 April 1865).

After the War:
He was a lawyer and politician at Gadsen, Alabama.

References, Sources, and other notes:
Sources: Biographical highlights posted on the Archer Brigade site by stevent [site gone 2/2006]; and
Thirteenth Alabama Infantry Regiment, a capsule history online from the Alabama State Archives.

Birth Date: 8/1832    Birth State: SC
College: South Carolina Military Academy (The Citadel)
Death Date: 6/22/1908

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